Diabetes is the second leading cause of natural deaths in South Africa. 227 people die every day of diabetes related causes. aQuellé is joining together with organisations and community members to educate people about the disease. Together, let’s beat diabetes!
Get
tested.
Get
tested.
Diabetes is a silent killer within communities that often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Symptoms of diabetes to look out for:
- excessive thirst
- excessive tiredness
- constant hunger
- blurry vision
- loss of weight
- frequent need to urinate
- slow healing of wounds
COMPLICATIONS
Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body and increase the risk of premature death.
Choose
water.
Why is hydration important for diabetes?
Water plays an important role in regulating body systems and keeping organs functioning properly. Those with diabetes are more susceptible to dehydration and its debilitating effects. Glucose levels in the body are moderated by a hormone called insulin. When people suffer from diabetes they have a lack of insulin, or their bodies are unable to respond to it.
"Diabetes affects so many people in the communities we work in and support.
Together we can make a difference. Together we can beat diabetes."
LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN SA 2018
PER DAY
THE ROLE OF WATER
Drinking water is important in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels as it eliminates excess glucose and fights dehydration. Keep hydrated!
Eat
healthy.
Deciding what to eat, and knowing how much of it you can have can be difficult.
Here are some guidelines to help you eat healthy as a person with diabetes:
¼ Amount of STARCH
Make sure to have 1 medium-sized potato, 2 baby potatoes or 1 medium sweet potato for your 1/4 portion of starch.
With food like wholewheat pasta, samp, pap and brown rice, always measure using a small cup (250ml) for your 1/4 portion of starch.
¼ Amount of PROTEIN
Make sure to only have fish, chicken, mince or steak as big as the palm of your hand for your 1/4 portion of protein.
Proteins, like beans, low-fat milk, chickpeas and maas should be measured using a small cup (250ml) for your 1/4 portion of protein.
½ Amount of VEGETABLES
Make sure to only have 2 handfuls of vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, spinach, gem squash and green peas for your 1/2 portion of vegetables.
Try to avoid high-sugar vegetables such as pumpkin and carrots when applying the portion rule.
Healthy food substitutes
There are many healthier food substitutes you can eat instead of the ones you are used to.
Swap out potatoes with sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are generally healthier than regular potatoes, partly because of their incredibly high vitamin A content. Sweet potatoes are also lower on the glycemic index, meaning that they are less likely than regular potatoes to make your blood sugar spike.
Swap out chips with popcorn.
Replace potato chips with popcorn. Popcorn has 31 calories per cup and a packet of potato chips has 150 calories. You also get more fibre and protein from popcorn compared to chips.
Eat
healthy.
-
TYPE 1 DIABETES
An autoimmune condition where the body produces little or no insulin.
-
TYPE 2 DIABETES
A condition where the body stops responding to insulin normally. Risk is lowered with a healthy lifestyle.
-
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
A relative lack of insulin during pregnancy.
A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor associated with Diabetes.
MORE THAN 29% OF MEN ARE OVERWEIGHT
MORE THAN 56% OF WOMEN ARE OVERWEIGHT
Get
tested.
Get
tested.
Diabetes is a silent killer within communities that often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Symptoms of diabetes to look out for:
- excessive thirst
- excessive tiredness
- constant hunger
- blurry vision
- loss of weight
- frequent need to urinate
- slow healing of wounds
COMPLICATIONS
Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body and increase the risk of premature death.
Get
active.
Get
active.
MOVING MORE CAN:
Help you look after your blood pressure, because high blood pressure means you’re more at risk of diabetes complications.
Help to improve cholesterol (blood fats) to help protect against problems like heart disease.
Give you energy and help you sleep.
Help your joints and flexibility.
Reduce stress levels and improve low mood.
Act now to live well.
Every step you take today is a step from diabetes. And remember: Stay hydrated. Drink water.
Get
active.
Get
active.
MOVING MORE CAN:
Help you look after your blood pressure, because high blood pressure means you’re more at risk of diabetes complications.
Help to improve cholesterol (blood fats) to help protect against problems like heart disease.
Give you energy and help you sleep.
Help your joints and flexibility.
Reduce stress levels and improve low mood.
Act now to live well.
Every step you take today is a step from diabetes. And remember: Stay hydrated. Drink water.