Two hundred Strandfontein residents were screened for hypertension, cholesterol and glycemia at an outreach programme at the Bangladesh Centre, in Dennegeur Avenue on Saturday November 13.
Sweet Communicare Diabetic Support groups took this year’s global theme to heart, by referring community members for further medical care.
This year’s World Diabetes Day, Sunday November 14, awareness campaign surrounds “access to diabetes care”.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
Group coordinator nursing sister Veronica Vember said ten people were flagged – four with hypertension, three with raised cholesterol levels and three with hyperglycaemia.
She advised them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
“This was our first outreach programme since the national Covid-19 lockdown as many of the members were vulnerable,” she said.
The group, including members from Pelican Park and Bayview, will be availing themselves full time for testing and raising awareness.
“It is diabetic month and we could not have done anything but reach out,” said Ms Vember.
The group usually offers monthly free blood-pressure checks, glucose-level testing and free literature. For more information, call Ms Vember at 071 913 8601 or 021 393 2562.