Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read | 7:47 pm CAT

Monday is World Diabetes Day, and statistics paint a grim picture of the prevalence of the disease in the country. Some 4.2 million South Africans live with diabetes, and more than 45% of these individuals are undiagnosed. Stats SA revealed in 2018 that not only is diabetes the number one killer of women in the country, but the second cause of death in both men and women.

The South African Diabetes Alliance is an organization that was created a few years ago to be a voice for people living with diabetes.

Discussing with Radio Islam International, the Chairperson of the South African Diabetes Alliance, Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, said diabetes is now an emergency crisis in South Africa.

The team from the National Diabetes Federation’s core focus this World Diabetes Day is education to protect tomorrow.

According to Dr Ngassa, talks will surround the increased access to quality diabetes education relevant to South Africa.

He said there are no education programs in the public sector on diabetes for the health care providers or the patients.

“Diabetes education should be the cornerstone of care,” he added.

Dr Ngassa further advises that SADA diabetes is a public health crisis in South Africa.

He said, “due to lack of proper education, there is many people who access care in the public sector not benefiting from the foot exam.”

Amputation is the number one complication of people living with diabetes. Due to the lack of education and the foot examination not being conducted correctly, there are lower limb amputations due to complications, causing an estimated 6.8 billion a year to the fiscus.

Diabetes can lead to severe complications, including blindness and kidney failure.

Dr Ngassa, on behalf of the SADA, calls on the policymakers and health authorities to implement an adaptional diabetes program to empower people with diabetes.

Listen to the interview with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie on Radio Islam’s podcast.