Diabetes is on the increase in South Africa yet many people remain undiagnosed. World Diabetes Day‚ on Saturday‚ aims to improve awareness of this illness“Diabetes has become a fast-growing problem‚ with large numbers of people remaining undiagnosed and‚ therefore‚ untreated‚” says Trishcka Potgieter‚ a general practitioner at a family medical and dental centre in Springs‚ near Johannesburg.There are two main types of diabetes – types 1 and 2 – and‚ says Potgieter‚ can be dangerous if left untreated. “Over time they can cause damage to the blood vessels and vital organs such as the kidneys. Sufferers are at risk of blindness‚ coronary heart disease and stroke.”Symptoms include a frequent need to urinate‚ constant thirst‚ increased appetite‚ weight loss‚ fatigue‚ blurred vision‚ slow-healing wounds‚ and thrush or genital itching.But diabetes can be successfully controlled‚ particularly if is detected in good time and treated.Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes and cannot be prevented. About 5% to 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1. Their bodies makes little or no insulin because their immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.“Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in adulthood‚ although increasing numbers of younger people are being diagnosed with it‚” said Potgieter.A Type 2 diabetic cannot use the insulin produced by the pancreas produces insulin. Among its causes are genetic factors‚ obesity‚ advancing age‚ and a diet rich in fats‚ sugar and salt.“The development of type 2 diabetes is linked to an unhealthy‚ sedentary lifestyle‚” said Potgieter.Those who already have it can manage the condition by eating healthily‚ exercising regularly‚ and watching their weight - some people may need medication...