Drop in number of diabetes screenings, increase in new cases recorded

The City of Cape Town says its health data indicates a decline in the number of clients screened for diabetes over the past financial year.

It says there has also been a slight increase in new cases. The City says its clinics screened around 110,000 clients aged between 18 and 39 and around 70,000 clients aged 40 and up.

It says these numbers represent a 15% decrease for both groups, compared to the year before.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects more than 4,2 million South Africans. It is the second leading cause of death in South Africa, behind Tuberculosis.

The city has encouraged residents to make use of its healthcare services, as it offers a number of programmes aimed at prevention, education and management of diabetes.

World Diabetes Day will also be commemorated tomorrow (Thursday).