The results of the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES), a comprehensive health and nutrition study that yielded critical information on emerging epidemics of non-communicable diseases, showed that South Africa has a huge burden of disease with high morbidity and mortality figures.
This survey of more than 25,000 people, undertaken in 2012, showed that 5% of all adult respondents (older than 15 years) had self-reported DM; in those over 55 years of age, the proportion was 16%. Alarmingly, especially for DM prevention, almost two thirds of adult women were overweight or obese; in fact, 40% of women were obese. Although the prevalence is lower than in women, about a third of adult men in South Africa are overweight or obese. Almost a quarter of girls and 16% of boys were found to be overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in females (24.8% and 39.2%) than males.
According to Irene Labuschagne, a dietician at the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the most common risk factors for DM include obesity, diet and nutrition, a lack of physical activity as well as foetal undernourishment, stunting and cultural preference for a high body weight.
Diet and nutrition further play a vital role in overall blood glucose control and lipid levels, as well as in the prevention of secondary diseases and complications associated with DM. Up to 80% of type 2 DM, heart disease and up to a third of cancer can be prevented by eliminating shared risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use and inactivity.
The World Diabetes Day 2014 campaign marks the first campaign in a series that will run over three years, from 2014 to 2016, which will focus on healthy living and DM. This year's activities and materials will specifically address the topic of healthy eating and its importance both in the prevention of type 2 DM and the effective management of DM to avoid complications.
The theme for the 2014 is 'Going blue for breakfast', with emphasis on the importance of breakfast to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Skipping breakfast has been linked to an increased risk for developing DM, obesity and poorer cognitive performance in schoolchildren. Promoting the eating of breakfast in all populations may be beneficial.
The campaign is asking everyone in November to organise a healthy breakfast activity in their local community to highlight the importance of eating healthily to help prevent type 2 DM and avoid the serious complications of the disease.
All campaign activities continue the slogan 'Diabetes: protect our future'. The campaign will promote the importance of immediate action to protect the health and well-being of future generations and achieve meaningful outcomes for people with DM and those at risk.
The key messages of the campaign include:
Diabetes affects millions worldwide and it is reaching epidemic proportions in both developed and developing countries.
