Complications
At public healthcare facilities like Tygerberg Hospital, Red Cross and Groote Schuur, patients are offered specialised services to help them live well with diabetes. These services range from paediatric care to diabetes education and treatment for complications.
At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital where Dr Michelle Carrihill leads the diabetes and endocrinology department, they see 3 to 5 newly-diagnosed patients each month, many in critical condition.
Dr Carrihill warned the rise of type 2 diabetes in children has become a growing concern, saying: “Early detection is vital.
“If you notice signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, or difficulty concentrating in your child, seek medical attention right away. The sooner we diag…