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Care

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects your body’s ability to use the energy provided by food. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where the pancreas either does not produce any or enough insulin, which causes an excess of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin is the hormone that assists your body cells to use glucose as energy for it to function properly.

Types of diabetes

There are two major types of the disease, namely:

  • Type 1 diabetes: occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high due to the body’s inability to produce the hormone insulin, which enables glucose to enter cells and fuel the body. It generally occurs in children and young adults and requires access to injectable insulin.
  • Type 2 diabetes: is the most common type of diabetes. It is a progressive condition whereby the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin (insulin resistance) and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.

Who can assist me?

Your treating healthcare provider remains the most important role player in managing your diabetes and related conditions. We urge you to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or queries related to your diabetes. 

If you need to change to a family practitioner that specialises in diabetes, please contact the Bestmed Contact Centre on 086 000 2378, e-mail service@bestmed.co.za, or use our WhatsApp chat line. We’ll be able to help you find a provider in your area.  

FAQs

Is diabetes a prescribed minimum benefit (PMB)?

Diabetes does qualify as a PMB. It forms part of the 26 chronic conditions that are included in the Chronic Disease List (CDL) as set out by the CMS.

Who can assist me in treating my diabetes?

Your treating healthcare provider remains the most important role player in managing your diabetes and related conditions. We urge you to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or queries related to your diabetes.

What is an HbA1c blood test?

A HbA1c blood test monitors how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood over an average time span of two to three months.

Why should I have regular HbA1c blood tests?

HbA1c is created when the sugar (glucose) attaches to your red blood cells and over time builds up in your body. Since these blood cells are active for a two to three-month period, you need to have your blood tests done regularly. Knowing your HbA1c blood level is important because it can help you manage your blood sugar levels, thus preventing complications associated with diabetes.

Why should I go for regular physical examination?

Diabetics must maintain a healthy lifestyle. To sustain a good quality of life, you must take action to prevent or slow down diabetic complications. Keep to regular physical and eye exams and follow instructions from your healthcare provider including adhering to your diabetes care plan, thereby assisting you in living a productive life.

Diabetes care

If you have any queries relating to the Diabetes care, contact: