Page 40 - The SA Journal Diabetes & Vascular Disease Volume 9 No 4 (November 2012)
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DIABETES PERSONALITY
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
feels that awareness and a buddy system are ultimately more important
and to the child’s greater good.
The second issue Dr Spruyt has strong feelings about is the displaying
of sweets and confectionary at check-out points in supermarkets and
retail stores, something that is common practice. She is looking into the
possibility of starting a pressure group to end this. ‘Sometimes people
stand in queues for as long as 30 minutes, surrounded by sweets and
chocolates. This is unfair and disrespectful to people with diabetes. They
shouldn’t have to face this. Even for non-diabetics, it hardly supports the
encouragement of healthy eating patterns, and is especially problematic
where children are concerned.’
‘
World diabetes day falls annually on 14 November. I found it hypocriti-
cal that last year a certain retail chain chose to call November “World dia-
betes month” and further to this offered an online service on its website
whereby consumers could log in to access information and, with the help
of a dietician, learn to make healthy food choices. Despite this widely
advertised campaign, the confectionary displays in-store remained.’
Dr Spruyt is inspired by those individuals who triumph over diabetes,
taking control of their condition. A notable example is a patient in her
practice who was preparing to undergo bariatric surgery to address his
obesity and diabetes, but who embarked on a healthy eating plan as well
as an exercise programme beforehand in preparation for the procedure.
‘
With the support of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare profession-
als, he lost so much weight that by the time the scheduled date of the
operation came around, he decided instead simply to continue with the
weight loss and exercise programme, also working with a biokineticist
four times a week. The surgery was ultimately unnecessary and he is
currently at the lowest weight he’s ever been in his adult life’, she con-
cludes. ‘A former restaurant reviewer who prided himself on eating large
portions, he now only goes to restaurants after first ascertaining that they
can accommodate his dietary requirements. Needless to say, his diabetes
has improved dramatically.’
P Wagenaar
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The
SA Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease
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specialists involved in the care of people with diabetes, to exchange information,
promote better management and stimulate research in Africa.
This quarterly journal publishes original research and scholarly reviews
about prevention and management of diabetes, relating to both general and
specific issues.
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