Why you should test for diabetes

The International Diabetes Federation's 2015's Annual Report states an estimated 2,28 million people are living with the condition in the country. 

Chief Director for Non-communicable Diseases, Professor Melvyn Freeman says in the prevention of the pandemic, early screening is encouraged.

"We estimate that probably around 7% of the population between 20 and 70-years-old have diabetes. What we suspect is that about half or less than half of people who have diabetes know about it. 

"So they call it the silent killer because it doesn't have symptoms necessarily in the early stages," he said. 

On the other hand, KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo says the condition is not a death sentence.

"We now have information that if we manage diabetes properly, chances of complications from diabetes are significantly reduced. We cannot stop people from getting diabetes but we can highlight how we can better manage and control the disease," he said.