Diabetes Centre of Excellence

Good morning, all our valued patients and friends. This is just a reminder to say that this site is not checked regularly. Rather phone the practice on 0448744990 to make an appointment. Be advised that we only have one receptionist and she is overwhelmed with large call volumes. If no one answers the phone immediately, try again later.

Good afternoon!

Ever thought, I've got to be "good" this week, I am going to see the doctor soon? Yes, I've been there. This is why this approach to diabetes care will not work:

So the first thing the doctor tests is your HbA1c. Do you know what that means?

HbA1c stands for glycated haemoglobin. Glucose binds to all proteins in the body which is called protein glycation.

When the blood glucose levels are high, the glucose binds to haemoglobin in our circulating red blood cells and forms glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) expressed in a percentage.

Red blood cells have a lifespan of 3 months, therefore, when you get your HbA1c tested, your mean blood glucose over 3 months are indirectly measured. The higher your blood glucose, the more glucose binds to haemoglobin and the higher is your HbA1c level!

HbA1c targets differ from one individual to another, depending on your age, how long you've had diabetes, your doctor's and your personal targets, etcetera. It is generally accepted that with an HbA1c of between 6 -7%, the risk of developing diabetes related complications is significantly decreased.

This is a helpful tool for health care professionals and the person with diabetes to get a glimpse of the overall glucose control.

HbA1c is considered the gold standard in assessing glycaemic control. But as most of us well know, diabetes management cannot be optimised by only using an average. We need continuous feedback.

Look out for my next post on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).

Good afternoon everyone!

Today I would like to share some statistics with regards to diabetes prevalence in the world and South Africa. My hope is to give you an idea of the seriousness of this non-communicable disease and to inspire you to take note of your role in fighting this global pandemic.

Let's first look at the global picture of prevalence of diabetes.

In 2002, it was estimated that in 2010, more than 215 million people will have diabetes world wide and that in 2025, 350 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes!

Unfortunately, by 2011, we all ready surpassed the 2025 estimation. The latest (2019) estimate is now set at 700 million people with diabetes globally by 2025! (International Diabetes Federation - IDF, 9th ed. 2019)

In South Africa, 1 in 8 people between the ages 20-79, have diabetes. That is 4.6 million people! Africa is the IDF region with the highest proportion of undiagnosed diabetes with 3 out of 5 people living with diabetes, unaware that they have it and also the region with the highest predicted increase (146%) compared to other regions.

What a dire picture and indeed a pandemic. This just shows the importance of creating diabetes awareness in our country.

If you are inactive, overweight and/or have a family history of diabetes, you have a risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. More often than not, there are no symptoms present, so it is important to ask for a laboratory blood glucose test when you go for routine check-ups.

Type 1 diabetes is less common but manifests with more prominent symptoms. Classic symptoms includes excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and weight loss. This is more prevalent in young children or teenagers, but Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age!

What's it to you, you ask. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself. Exercise, make healthy food choices for you and your children (more on type 2 diabetes in children and genetic modification later). Choose today, to be healthier. "Not a diet, not a phase but a lifestyle change!"

Until next time!

Links: https://www.diabetesatlas.org/en/sections/worldwide-toll-of-diabetes.html

https://www.diabetesatlas.org/en/resources/

IDF Atlas 9th edition and other resources The first edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas was published in 2000 and since then has been updated on a regular basis.

INTRODUCTIONS!

Hi everyone!

My name is Mieke. I am a registered dietitian, with a special interest in helping people with diabetes. I work with a nurse-diabetic educator and doctor. Together we form a multi-disciplinary team and we are all passionate about diabetes.

Look out for the introduction of our whole team!

On this page, I wish to update you on the latest research, share success stories and exciting new developments in diabetic treatments.

"You're off to great places, today is your day.
Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" - dr. Seuss

Diabetes Centre of Excellence updated their business hours.