Tomorrow, you might notice many people wearing blue. No massive fashion coincidence, people will be sporting blue in different shades to stand in solidarity for more awareness toward a leading cause of death in our country that shouldn’t be cutting lives short—diabetes:
South Africa (13 November 2024) — Tomorrow, 14 November, many South Africans will be wearing blue for reasons beyond a big fashion coincidence.
It’s World Diabetes Day, and by wearing blue, people are showing their solidarity for more awareness toward diabetes—South Africa’s leading cause of death in women and the second leading cause of death in men.
The above information is particularly jarring to digest, considering that diabetes is not a lethal disease. But how can we change the stats? Awareness!
Wearing blue is one part of South Africa’s biggest diabetes awareness campaign while ‘Knowing the 5 symptoms’ is the other. The idea is to wear blue and share the 5 symptoms of diabetes. This, so that more people can know the 5 symptoms of diabetes, potentially get an earlier diagnosis and live a longer and healthier life.
The Five Symptoms of Diabetes
- Needing to pee (a lot)
- Excessive thirst
- More hunger than usual
- Weight loss
- Exhaustion
Of course, exhibiting these symptoms does not automatically deem you diabetic. However, if you’re seeing red flags in the way your body is working, it is well worth it to get your blood sugar checked at your local clinic or even a nearby pharmacy.
Taking the blue awareness further, this year, South Africa’s biggest Diabetes support community, Sweet Life, is challenging schools once again to post a photo or video sharing the five symptoms of diabetes in the most innovative way. They are also challenging friends and families to do the same, with an R2,000 meal voucher up for grabs for the winning friends and an R2,000 grocery voucher on the cards for participating families.
Those who have diabetes and are seeking support and advice will also be pleased to know that there is a free diabetes education resource available on Whatsapp thanks to the Sweet Life team! You can find out more, here.
Sources: Supplied
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