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VOLUME 7 NUMBER 3 • SEPTEMBER 2010
patients’ belief that their lives might just as well be over. Viv feels strongly
that nothing could be further from the truth, and even takes issue with la-
belling diabetes a ‘disease’. ‘It’s really just a different lifestyle and as long
as you make the necessary changes, it is possible to live a completely
normal life.’
Ruby adds that the biggest challenge is that people don’t know how to
eat correctly and this is where Diabetes SA plays a key role, facilitating
quality-of-life improvements through diet and lifestyle measures. ‘Just re-
cently, we had someone walk in who had just received the diagnosis, was
very stressed and had no idea of what to expect in the future. In the course
of a long counselling session, we were able to help him plan his future
eating patterns with a view to ensuring that he could still live “normally”.’
Another concern for the branch is Diabetes SA’s lack of human re-
sources in Pietermaritzburg. The Skinners are trying to recruit more volun-
teers to assist in their work. ‘We are not getting any younger’, says Ruby.
‘Unfortunately, it’s very hard to find people who are prepared to work for
nothing.’
The branch has high praise for the medical community and the won-
derful co-operation received. Diabetes SA holds a monthly meeting that
is always well supported. On each occasion a specialist gives a talk on
a specific aspect of the condition. ‘Most recently, a clinical psychologist
talked about the emotional impact of a diabetes diagnosis’, says Ruby.
‘We’ve also had talks by eye specialists, endocrinologists and dieticians,
among others.’ Meetings are also held in the predominantly Indian area of
Northdale, where diabetes is very prevalent.
Summing up, Viv feels that their primary function is to reassure. ‘A di-
agnosis of diabetes is not the end of the line. With the correct guidance,
these individuals can live long, productive and high-quality lives’, he con-
cludes. ‘It is our job to ensure that they know and believe this!’
Members of the team caring for a patient at a medical camp.
Patients on a supermarket tour, where a dietician teaches diabetics
how to eat correctly by learning to read food labels properly.
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
Diabetes Personality
