A total of 450 public sector nurses from around the country will be trained in how to manage diabetes at primary healthcare level over the next three years. “Nurses are primary caregivers‚ and have the most frequent and direct contact with people at risk of or living with diabetes‚” deputy health minister Dr Joe Phaahla said at a four-day workshop for 200 nurses in Gauteng this week.“As the incidence of diabetes increases in South Africa‚ it is important to capacitate them to deal with this epidemic in every way.”The workshop is a partnership between the department of health and Novo Nordisk South Africa‚ whose general manager Dr Timmy Kedijang said that approximately “46% of people living with diabetes in South Africa remain undiagnosed”.“Training nurses to better identify early symptoms is therefore essential‚” said Kedijang.“Just as important‚ nurses need to be able to assist those living with the condition to manage it effectively‚ as non-compliance with treatment protocols is often the reason that complications such as blindness‚ nerve damage and limb amputations develop.”This partnership aims to train nurses to be able to counsel patients about managing the condition‚ exercise and following a healthy lifestyle.“Our aim as the department of health is to promote health and prevent disease‚” said Phaahla.“Initiatives like these help us to get the message about diabetes out to the public. Greater awareness of the condition and advanced training for nurses will help us to facilitate both early diagnosis and effective treatment protocols for those living with diabetes.”..