Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that is prevalent in six percent of the South African population and often goes undiagnosed. Our doctors offer vital information and advice on the disease.

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Diabetes

Managing diabetes with technology

Two technological advances in diabetes management can help patients with type 1 diabetes avoid some of its most severe complications, PLUS give them never-before-seen insights into how lifestyle and behaviour affect the disease.

Diabetes

A snapshot of diabetes in SA [INFOGRAPHIC]

A snapshot of Diabetes in SA. These numbers prove why diabetes is such a big health problem in South Africa. A few scary stats…

Diabetes

How diabetes affects the body [INFOGRAPHIC]

The whole-body health risks of diabetes. Dr Wimpie de Lange, an endocrinologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, explains how uncontrolled diabetes can damage vital organs and pose other health risks.

Diabetes

How insulin works [INFOGRAPHIC]

Insulin is an essential hormone produced by the pancreas. A Mediclinic doctor explains how this hormone controls the glucose levels in your body.

Diabetes

Managing Type 2 diabetes [INFOGRAPHIC]

Managing Type 2 diabetes. Did you know that there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage your Type-2 diabetes?

DID YOU KNOW?

  • We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We found a practical solution to a shortage of theatre nurses by becoming a registered teaching institution.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot-inhibiting effects.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Immunisations save lives and help stop diseases from spreading.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
    #MediclinicFacts
Diabetes

Could you have prediabetes?

It’s possible to have prediabetes and have no idea until it’s too late. Here’s how to find out, and if you do have it, how to avoid developing diabetes.

Diabetes

How to avoid diabetes complications

If left untreated, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to severe and life-threatening complications. Catch them early and your risk of these complications is reduced.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic is one of the three leading private hospital groups in Southern Africa and the sixth largest private healthcare group in the world.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We use the internationally recognised Oxford Vermont Network to keep our neonatal critical care units at the forefront of paediatric medicine.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Some of our hospitals have operating tables that can support patients of up to 370kg in weight and 2.2m in height.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
Diabetes

The warning signs of diabetes {infographic}

The warning signs for Type 2 diabetes can be so mild that you don’t notice them. People with Type 2 diabetes have raised blood glucose levels, but sometimes these levels are not high enough to cause any symptoms. You might not even know you have Type 2 diabetes until you start suffering from other long-term complications.

Diabetes

Diabetes: at a glance {Infographic}

Almost 4 million people in SA live with diabetes. Another 5 million are estimated to be prediabetic. Who is at risk? Why? What can be done? In a series of statistics and myth-busting facts, we present the true picture of diabetes in South Africa.

Diabetes

Understanding your diabetes diagnosis: What are your treatment options?

Dr Elmo Pretorius, a specialist physician and endocrinologist at Mediclinic Vergelegen, explains different management options for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes

How, when and why to check your sugar level {Infographic}

Diabetics may need to check their blood sugar level several times a day – before meals or exercise, at bedtime, before driving. But everyone is different: there are many numbers to look for and many ways to do it.

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