DSA News Winter 2019

How to live well and eat well seminar

Our first event to celebrate the 50^thAnniversary of Diabetes SA was held on 30 March 2019 in the Protea Marine Hotel. The South African Sugar Association (SASA) sponsored this seminar.

The 50 people who attended enjoyed a day of most interesting and informative speakers, delicious refreshments, fun exercises and fellowship with old friends, also making new friends.

Wendy welcomed everyone and then handed over to the master of ceremonies, Martin. Elizabeth, the first speaker, briefly explained the history of diabetes and also of the beginning of Diabetes SA, focusing on the Port Elizabeth branch.

Riaan Knight, an orthotist and prosthetist, explained all about The management of the insensitive diabetic foot and showed us a variety of inner soles and special shoes.

This was followed by a tea break where we enjoyed fresh fruit kebabs and croissants. Next up was Kevin Stead, a diabetes coach, who spoke about Cost-effective blood glucose monitoring.

Wendy Girven, a registered dietitian in both SA and the UK, gave a most informative talk Healthy eating in Type 2 diabetes. Next, we learnt about Living positively with diabetes by Sr Hannie Williams, a registered nurse and diabetes nurse educator. In no time, Hannie had us all moving in time to music, and getting to know those around us.

We all went to the dining room for a buffet-style lunch and feasted on meat, fish, vegetables, variety starches and salads.  Followed by fresh fruit salad, cheesecake, mini cupcakes, and a mineral water of our own choice.

Our final speaker, Dr Khambi Msulwa,a nephrologist, was also one of our speakers, in 2009, when we hosted the 40^thNational AGM and Conference in the same hotel. Dr Msulwa told us all about Preventing diabetic kidney disease.

Each speaker was given a takealot voucher from SASA and a branded coffee mug, donated by Devendra Varma, and filled with a cappuccino sachet and a rusk, donated by DSA.

The Western Cape branch of DSA has had a busy few months and much news to share. In this time, our annual Children’s Camp took place, many Wellness Groups met and talked about life with diabetes, York Road Primary School held a Denim For Diabetes Day, and Diabetes SA participated in a Wellness Day in Worcester.

Children’s Camp

Diabetes SA’s annual Children’s Camp was held from 12 to 14 April at the Soetwater Environmental Centre in Kommetjie, Cape Town. About 40 children, aged between 6 and 14 years old, and 25 volunteers came together for this year’s Superhero-themed camp.

During the camp,  Superhero children living with diabetes learned about topics ranging from diabetes and exercise to the importance of diabetes support groups, how to manage low and high blood sugars, diabetes at school and everything in between.

Each day started with fun exercise. The meals were created by our dietitian volunteer, and nurses and doctors were there to make sure that everything went smoothly.

The children were able to make friends, create connections, and not feel any different from their new friends for an entire weekend. This support and encouragement is essential for a child with diabetes so that they stay happy, healthy, and motivated. The children could never have had a great weekend and the camp could not have happened at all without the generous donation fromNational Lotteries Commisson Fund. Many thanks also to those companies and individuals who gave donations in kind.

Wellness Groups

Diabetes Wellness Groups are held throughout South Africa. Different groups, led by leaders in the local community, meet together at different times during the year to educate, relate, support, and communicate with each other about diabetes, staying healthy and happy.

Each group is unique to the local community, but what is definitely the same is that everyone is always friends, excited to be there, and learning a lot.

Diabetes SA visited diabetes Wellness Groups in Durbanville, Strandfontein, and Tafelsig this past month, where discussions centered around diabetes foot care, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and diabetes, and supporting each other.

Denim for Diabetes Day

On Friday, 3 May, York Road Primary School, in Lansdowne, held a Denim for Diabetes Day. Children and teachers paid a small donation fee in exchange for wearing denim on the day, in support of diabetes education and awareness. This also acted as a fundraiser for Diabetes SA and York Road Primary. Diabetes SA took part in their assembly and explained diabetes and the importance of staying healthy.

Wellness Day in Worcester

In March, Diabetes SA tabled at a Community Wellness Day in Worcester, where resources and education talks were provided for palliative care and other healthcare workers in the Worcester community. It was an informative and fun day to connect and learn.