Diabetes Focus 2024 | Lift off into spring

Dear members and friends,

I’m writing this with a very sad heart as our dear friend and head of The South African Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (SANCDA), Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson, passed away.

We met Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson during the 2006 World Diabetes Congress in Cape Town. Founding members, Diabetes South Africa together with Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and Heart and Stroke Foundation, formed the beginnings of SANCDA with Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson leading us. Our mission was to address the inequity of focus and treatment of for patients with diabetes, cancer, and heart and stroke in South Africa.

Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson was a remarkable woman who has left an impact on all who came to know her. She inspired, led and drove us with passion to improve the levels of service and treatment of patients with non-communicable diseases in South Africa.

We will miss her enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to our cause. She has left a legacy and we will do our best to continue the work that she was so committed to. Rest in Peace dear Vicki, we will miss you.

DSA moving premises

Our DSA National Office and Western Cape Branch has to move from the premises we have occupied for over 30 years, as the building has been sold. Our new address will be 5^th Floor, Ashersons Chambers, 34 Plein Street, Cape Town. Phone: 021 447 7718.

We are excited about the move and look forward to a new chapter in the organisation. I do hope that you will pop in for a cup of coffee or tea if you are in the area. We would love to show you our new home and assist you in whatever way we can.

Life off into spring

The 2024 spring issue of Diabetes Focus has many interesting articles to assist you on your journey with diabetes. Plus, there are delicious recipes for you to try.

The importance of getting enough sleep is something we hear often, How sleep and the metabolic system work together explains why.

Please read our Diabetes Warriors (Lurina Fourie and Aldrin Munnick) stories; they are so different but yet will resonate with many of us.

Why Language matters is a topic we should all take to heart and pass on to our family, friends, and colleagues. Trauma therapy and diabetes is a topic many can identify with. Marvellous metformin is good to read as many of you are on this important treatment.

There are many more articles and I hope you’ll take the time to read them all as they are written to assist you to manage your health.

We’re all looking forward to spring and warmer weather. Get out there and get fresh air and sunshine, it’s so important for our well-being.

Yours in Health
Margot McCumisky
DSA National Manager

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MUST-TRY RECIPES

Jambon Salad

Enjoy the delicious flavours of summer with this Jambon salad. This easy-to-make salad is perfect

Futurelife® Zero Zucchini and Walnut Bread

This delicious Futurelife® Zero Zucchini and Walnut Bread combines the wholesome benefits of zucchini and

Berry & Banana Smoothie

Start your day with a burst of fruity flavour and a healthy boost. This Berry

5 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Indulge in a creamy, dreamy dessert-like breakfast with this 5 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie. Packed

Putting health into your smoothie

Dietitian Estée van Lingen highlights what you need to be aware of when preparing a

Five ways to track your food using the mySugr app

Do you want to know how to make the most out of food tracking using

LIFESTYLE

Find your next adventure

With the new season upon us, we are so excited to share the Norflex Adventure

How sleep and the metabolic system work together

Sheradin Williamson, a diabetes specialist nurse, explains the science of how sleep and the metabolic

The power of the morning walk

Christine Manga is out to persuade all of us to start our day with a

Diabetic macular oedema explained

Dr Enslin Uys, an ophthalmologist, unpacks the symptoms, causes, and treatment for diabetic macular oedema.

Harness the power of community support

Monique Marais, a social worker, highlights the power of community support when living with diabetes.

Insulin pen shortage in public sector

We hear from experts the foreseen problems if public sector patients living with diabetes have

Questions to ask if you are newly diagnosed

Being newly diagnosed with diabetes is overwhelming. Lynette Lacock advises on questions to ask your

Trauma therapy and diabetes

Daniel Sher addresses the overlooked connection of trauma therapy and diabetes and how trauma therapy

Why language matters

By fostering a language of support, empathy, and clarity, we can contribute to a more

How do antidepressants affect blood glucose?

Retha Harmse explores the intricate relationship between antidepressants and blood glucose regulation. Listen to this

Marvellous metformin

Dr Angela Murphy backs why metformin is still the drug of choice for treating Type

The big M – menopause

Dr Louise Johnson helps us understand how the big M (menopause) may affect the management

Ultra-rapid insulin

Dr Paula Diab lists the wonders of the new advancement of ultra-rapid insulin and who

DISCLAIMER – PLEASE NOTE:

The views expressed in Diabetes Focus do not necessarily reflect the policy of Diabetes South Africa nor that of the publishers and their contributors. The information contained in this publication has been approved by Diabetes South Africa. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, neither Word for Word Media nor Diabetes South Africa, can be held responsible for any errors or omission.

DSA and the publishers, Word for Word Media, advise that you consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have diabetes.

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Laurelle Williams – editor@diabetesfocus.co.za

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Sandra De Oliveira – sandra@diabetesfocus.co.za

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Diabetes Focus | Lift off into spring