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

Pregnant and diabetic? What you need to know..

Two situations can occur: a woman with pre-existing diabetes wants to have a baby or, diabetes presents itself during the pregnancy of an otherwise healthy mother (this is referred to as gestational diabetes). Dr Andre Diedericks, an Ob-Gyn at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, explains these two situations.

Diabetes

Take the time to #CheckWhatMatters this Diabetes Awareness Month

In South Africa, it is estimated that 3.85 million South Africans suffer from diabetes, with many remaining undiagnosed. The truth is we check our social media activity more than enough,

Diabetes

7 Eye tests that look at more than just your vision

When you go to the optometrist because you’re having trouble seeing, a vision test is usually conducted. This test assesses how well you can see and your ability to discern objects. However, many eye conditions and diseases present no symptoms, so there’s a range of tests available to see what your eyes can’t. An ophthalmologist and an eye surgeon explain.

Cardiology

Metabolic syndrome: why it could kill you

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is a perfect storm for increasing a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Diabetes

Six unexpected signs of kidney damage, and how to reverse it

According to Dr Riaan Flooks, a nephrologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, methods of identifying renal disease have advanced to allow for a much earlier diagnosis.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • We have backup generators for our backup generators so that we can provide uninterrupted expert care.
    #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
  • Our 24-hour emergency centres feature state-of-the-art life-saving equipment.
    #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
  • Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
    #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
  • Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy: technology improves screening to save lives

Medical advancements – including fundus cameras and artificial intelligence – offer hope for patients who may otherwise lose their sight (or even their lives) to diabetes.

Diabetes

Are you at risk of diabetes?

Intermediate hyperglycaemia (impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance) is a ‘pre-diagnosis’ of diabetes. The good news is you can prevent Type 2 diabetes if you make considered lifestyle changes.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We found a practical solution to a shortage of theatre nurses by becoming a registered teaching institution.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Some of our hospitals have operating tables that can support patients of up to 370kg in weight and 2.2m in height.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals did the first minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implant procedure in Africa.
    #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
  • A baby weighing 390g survived thanks to the expertise of Mediclinic’s highly qualified paediatric staff and specialists.
    #MediclinicFacts
Diabetes

Do you recognise the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that inhibits your body’s ability to properly regulate blood glucose levels. The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) estimates that in 2011 there were 14.7 million adult diabetics in Africa, and that around 78% of diabetics remain undiagnosed. According to the IDF the greatest increase in diabetes is expected to be in Africa – where it is predicted that the incidence of diabetes in Africa will have almost doubled by 2030.

Diabetes

Should you drink alcohol if you have diabetes?

If you’re living with diabetes, be sure to eat and plan ahead before you have a small sundowner, says a Mediclinic expert.

Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes in children: what parents need to know

If your child has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you’re not alone – about one in 500 children worldwide end up with the disorder. Paediatric endocrinologist Dr David Segal tells us what we need to know.

Diabetes

Technology treating diabetes

New tech makes life a whole lot easier for these people living with diabetes. Their devices could save your life – now, and in the future.

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