Diabetes is known as the silent killer. With the shocking statistic of one in every two South Africans going undiagnosed with Diabetes, creating awareness is our main catalyst for change. To raise awareness, Sweet Life Diabetes Community and SA Diabetes Advocacy is challenging everyone to wear blue on World Diabetes Day, celebrated on the 14th of November.
The idea is simple, but powerful.
All it takes is a simple conversation
Imagine how a large group of people, all donning the same colour, can spark a conversation? A conversation that has the capacity to spread awareness like wildfire. These conversations need to be brought to the table if we want to make a difference in the lives of those who are currently living undiagnosed.
What is Diabetes
Diabetes might not be a foreign term but if you need a quick refresh, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the breakdown of sugars (glucose) from food that is released into your bloodstream.
When your blood sugar levels increase, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts as a key which allows blood sugar to enter the body for energy. When you’ve got diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use it regularly. When there isn’t enough insulin, an excess of blood sugar stays in your bloodstream.
There are 2 main types of Diabetes:
Diabetes Type 1:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction which means the body attacks itself by mistake. This reaction stops your body from making insulin.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
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Diabetes Type 2:
With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin efficiently and can’t keep blood sugar at regular levels.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight.
- Eating healthy food.
- Being active.
#WearBlueForDiabetes campagin
Sweet Life Diabetes Community and SA Diabetes Advocacy wants World Diabetes Day to be celebrated in a simple yet powerful way. It all started in schools. #WearBlueForDiabetes was launched last year, where schools around South Africa wore blue and learners were educated about Type 1 diabetes.
This year, they want to kick it up a notch by inviting workplaces to take part, too.
How you can join in
Taking part is easy! All you have to do is:
- Sign up on www.sweetlife.org.za/wear-blue-for-diabetes
- Wear blue for diabetes on Monday 14th November 2022, World Diabetes Day.
- Snap a photo and share it online using #WearBlueForDiabetes.
You can make a difference
The Sweet Life Diabetes Community and SA Diabetes Advocacy team firmly believe that the answer to the rising numbers of Diabetes diagnoses in South Africa lies within awareness and empowerment.
For more information you can contact Bridget McNulty, co-founder of Sweet Life Diabetes Community and chairperson of SA Diabetes Advocacy at 084 986 0861 or [email protected]
Will you be wearing blue on the 14th of November?
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Featured Image: Supplied
