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 use a yacht-mast design for our cabling and keep it safely wound up in our trauma pedestals to avoid any accidents.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our radio-translucent theatre beds enable X-rays to be taken on the spot, without having to move the patient or disturb the procedure.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
    #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
  • Trauma patients with a critically low temperature will often be wrapped in a space blanket to reduce heat loss.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To prevent harmful bacteria being absorbed by mattresses we use protective under sheets made from polypropylene.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our corridors are 2.3m wide allowing two beds to pass one another without any interference.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
    #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?

  • An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot-inhibiting effects.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • The triage admission system in our emergency centres has been able to reduce mortality by up to 50%.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Nurses can observe patients at all times as critical care units are designed like a beehive with the nurses’ station in the middle.
    #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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