Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari
By STAFF REPORTER
14 November 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, has joined millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14 November, by calling for greater awareness, early detection and improved management of the disease.
Lehari said World Diabetes Day provides an important opportunity to highlight diabetes as a major global public health concern and to encourage collective efforts to improve its prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
He said this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes”, places the spotlight on the importance of early diagnosis, particularly as an estimated 40% to 50% of people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed or are already experiencing complications when the condition is detected.
According to Lehari, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes and encourage people to undergo regular screening.
It also aims to promote timely treatment, comprehensive healthcare and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the condition.
“Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
“With Type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin, while in Type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born,” he said.
Lehari explained that women who have experienced gestational diabetes face an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. He added that Type 2 diabetes can also sometimes be diagnosed during pregnancy.
He further highlighted the dangers of prediabetes, explaining that the condition occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.
“People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. This makes early detection and lifestyle changes particularly important,” he said.
Lehari warned that diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the kidneys, nerves, heart and eyes if left unmanaged.
He said some of the common warning signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, persistent fatigue, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss.
Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing wounds or cuts, as well as recurring skin and vaginal yeast infections.
The MEC urged members of the public to take responsibility for their health by adopting healthier lifestyles and following recommended medical advice to prevent or manage the condition.
He emphasised that diabetes can be managed through regular blood glucose monitoring, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity and achieving a healthy body weight.
He also encouraged people to get sufficient sleep and consistently take their prescribed medication, including medication for managing blood pressure and cholesterol where necessary.
Lehari cautioned that poorly managed diabetes can result in severe long-term complications, significantly affecting an individual’s quality of life.
These complications include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, recurring skin infections, sexual dysfunction caused by nerve and blood vessel damage, hearing loss and, in severe cases, amputations.
He urged residents to remain informed about diabetes, recognise its warning signs and seek medical attention early rather than waiting for serious complications to develop.
As the world marks World Diabetes Day, the MEC’s message serves as a reminder that early screening, timely treatment and healthy lifestyle choices remain essential in reducing the impact of diabetes on individuals, families and communities.
