Dear members and friends,
I am sure most of us have been looking so forward to spring this year. It is uplifting to see the flowers coming out and the lovely sunny days that we are starting to experience.
It has been a pretty grim winter with the COVID-19 virus amongst us and the months of lockdown.
Many of our friends and family members with diabetes have lost their lives due to COVID-19. We mourn the loss of each one and send our heartfelt condolences to each person who has suffered such a loss.
Our COVID-19 Helpline will continue for the foreseeable future and we will do our best to assist those who call.
I have read the spring issue with much anticipation and am delighted with the articles which are available for you to read. There are several important topics which we have not covered before, such as The risk of falls in diabetes; Why is thrush common in people with diabetes?; Diabetes telemedicine; and Play therapy in diabetes management.
The stories of Shelly Schutte, Shiara Pillay, Leslie Smith, Jordan Barber, and Noy Pullen are interesting and encouraging.
Management of diabetic ketoacidosis is a must-read as it can be lifesaving. I just love DSA Port Elizabeth’s snippet on Debbie the Great Dane; being an animal lover with a house full of animals myself.
There are so many other articles of interest, like on Avocado, Super foods and How to avoid the Snack Trap. I hope you will enjoy them all and let us have your feedback.
We are not out of the woods yet with COVID-19. So, please do your best to keep those blood glucose levels as controlled as possible.
This will play an important role in your recovery, if you do happen to contract COVID-19. Also continue with the normal precautions, like handwashing, wearing your mask and social distancing.
Yours in Health
Margot McCumisky
National Manager – Diabetes South Africa
Diabetes helpline during COVID-19
Diabetes South Africa’s offices will be closed during the lockdown period and since people living with diabetes are at higher risk of complications if they get ill with COVID-19, we want to help you keep your diabetes in balance and on your current diabetes management plan.
Therefore, Diabetes South Africa and the South African NCDs Alliance offer you free support in the current crisis. Starting on Friday, 3 April, our support service is live.
How it works: WhatsApp 081 578 6636 or send an email to [email protected]
You message us, and we call back or reply between 08:00 and 17:00. Leave a voice or WhatsApp message in English or Afrikaans. Tell us your name, cell number or email and a few words about your diabetes challenge and we will get back to you.
Please do not use the diabetes helpline in the case of emergencies or if you experience a sudden worsening of your health or suspected COVID-19. Rather call an ambulance, go straight to your nearest hospital or follow government instructions.
