By Nangamso Mabindla
17 November 2006

CITY staff were encouraged to get themselves tested for diabetes at the East London City Hall on Thursday, 16 November. Buffalo City set up the tests to mark World Diabetes Day.

Occupational health practitioners also boosted awareness of the illness by counseling employees after they were tested. One of the practitioners, Florence Sobili, said that they were working closely with Diabetes South Africa to create awareness.

"We test employees and inform them about the best ways to keep healthy and fight diabetes. When employees have low glucose levels we encourage them to follow the right diet and eat vegetables and fruit. We also encourage people to exercise," she said.

Talking about how the test worked, she said that normal glucose levels were between three and seven. "If you are below three, then you need to start boosting your glucose levels. When you are between eight and 10 you are boarder line, but when you are over 10 then we start referring you to institutions dealing with diabetes," she said.

However, it was awareness that was important and brochures containing information about the illness were available at the testing stations. Information ranged from what people should know about the illness to the two different types of diabetes and the correct diet to be followed when dealing with the illness.

"The brochures also inform people about who is likely to have the illness and its symptoms."

People at risk included those over 45 years of age and overweight people, those who have a family member with type 2 diabetes and people who consume more than 21 alcoholic drinks a week. Sobili said that the occupational health practitioners would continue the testing until Friday, 17 November.