On 13 September 2024, the City of Tshwane Health Department will host the first of two diabetes outreach programmes for 2024. This first outreach programme will take place at Mamelodi West Community Hall.
Diabetes is considered as a chronic disease of public health concern. According to the national Department of Health, the three common categories of diabetes include Type 1, where the blood glucose (sugar) level is too high as the body produces very little or no insulin; Type 2, which is due to lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity or hereditary factors; and Type 3, which is gestational diabetes mellitus. This temporary condition develops in women, mostly during pregnancy, and has the potential to cause health problems in both mother and baby. Untreated diabetes can lead to stroke, nerve damage, blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations.
Given the seriousness of this disease, interested community members are encouraged to attend the outreach programme and learn about the available services on diabetes and the aspects of care for diabetic people as well as the comprehensive package of other health promotion services. In partnership with various stakeholders, the following services will be available on the day: Blood pressure and blood glucose screening, eyecare and footcare, oral health screening, tuberculosis and HIV screening, drug and substance use awareness, gender-based violence awareness, mental health awareness, occupational health, physiotherapy and nutrition information.
As a demonstration of our commitment to bring services closer to communities, we will be partnering with the following stakeholders and sponsors: The Gauteng Department of Health, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), the Aurum Institute, the Moses Mabhida Foundation, Sungardens Palliative Care, Voice It In Action, Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, Phokwane Funeral Directors and Synexus.
These outreach programmes aim to highlight the importance of regular screening and testing related to health matters. Early detection can save lives.
The second diabetes outreach programme is planned for 25 October2024 at Hercules Clinic.