Diabetes Awareness Day at GJ Crookes Hospital

GJ Crookes Hospital’s Siyanakekela Crisis Centre in conjunction with the Out Patients Department commemorated diabetes with an awareness campaign on Wednesday 10 April 2013. 

Sr Vicky Skhosana and Sr Dlamini, professional nurses from the crisis centre explained diabetes as almost similar to any other disease as long as you are going to follow advice given by health-care workers.  Amongst the top advice shared, Sr Skhosana said if you have been diagnosed with the condition you are supposed to take your medication as directed and supplement by eating good and nutritious food.

Miss Nokuthula Chithwayo, a dietician from GJ Crookes said diabetes is not caused by eating lots of sugar as many people presume.  It only means your body is not functioning well and there are dietary and lifestyle precautions you must take, like the ones written below:

1.  Starchy Food: Intake of Starchy food should be reduced since it increases your sugar levels; avoid white bread because brown bread has got everything that your body needs; If you like breakfast cereals you must eat for an example All-brans, Weet-bix etc because they are high in fibre.
2. Fat:  you must also avoid fatty food; remove visible fat from meat including chicken skin before cooking. Also learn to not add oil while cooking, cook food in its own moisture or boil/steam.
3. Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily.   Vegetables must be half-cooked because when overcooked, they lose their nutritious value.
4.  Fluids:  Water is very important, in fact every person should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day as it helps in digesting food and it cleanses your body.  It’s also essential to check the colour of your urine, if it’s clear then you are drinking enough water but if it’s coloured, that’s a sign you need to drink more water.  Avoid dilutable juices and cool drinks; rather drink low-sugar cool drinks. Tea is ok for consumption but sugar and milk should not be added. 

Ms Nomthandazo Mkhize who was diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus at the young age of 8 because of family history of the disease; said she has been living with this disease for 24 years.  She informed the audience that if you have this kind of disease you need to look after yourself by eating the right food, consume your medication properly and take all precautionary advice given by healthcare workers.   

Sr Dolo and Sr Ishwarlal advised the audience about Foot Care for persons with Diabetes. They gave the following important tips:

-          Before you wear your shoes you must check inside the shoes for foreign objects which could harm your feet

-          Wash your feet and dry them thoroughly. 

-          Cut and trim your nails regularly and carefully

-          Wear comfortable shoes every time, try to also get used to wearing socks.  

-          Avoid high heels and plastic shoes. 

Staff members involved in the awareness campaign with Nomthandazo Mkhize	Ms Nomthandazo Mkhize, living with diabetes informing the crowd how she manages her condition