All MediRite pharmacies in Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets will offer FREE blood sugar tests from 9 – 14 November 2015 in support of World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated on November 14th.
During this period, MediRite’s friendly and qualified pharmacists will attend to any consumers who wish to have their blood sugar levels tested, free-of-charge.
According to Razana Allie, a diabetes nurse specialist with Diabetes South Africa, a blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose in one’s blood. “Glucose is a major source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates – found in fruit, cereal, bread, pasta and rice – are quickly turned into glucose, and can lead to increased blood sugar levels.”
“Diabetes mellitus, commonly just referred to as diabetes, is a chronic condition in which high blood sugar levels are present over a prolonged period of time due to insufficient insulin release and/or insulin resistance,” Allie continues. “Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination as well as increased thirst, erectile dysfunction, blurred vision and burning feet. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications such as blindness, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and limb amputations.”
The Shoprite Checkers supermarket group sees itself as a responsible corporate citizen who is committed to the wellbeing of the communities where it does business. As such, the MediRite pharmacies (listed below) offer patrons a free blood sugar test in order to assist them in staying healthy.
SHOPRITE KWAZULU-NATAL: Bridge City Mall (031) 530 3145; Chatsworth (031) 401 9530; Edendale Mall Pietermaritzburg (033) 398 8077; Richards Bay (035) 789 4375; Umzimkhulu (039) 259 0696.
CHECKERS KWAZULU NATAL: Galleria Shopping Mall Amanzimtoti (031) 904 9026; Ballito Bay Mall (032) 946 1023; Sanlam Centre Bluff (031) 467 2179; Inkwazi Mall Richards Bay (035) 789 4850; Brookside Mall Pietermaritzburg (033) 342 2286; Cascades Pietermaritzburg (033) 347 0443; Castle Rock Newcastle (034) 326 1074; Gateway Umhlanga Rocks (031) 566 2760; Hillcrest (031) 765 3969; Hibiscus Shopping Mall Margate (039) 317 1672; Newcastle (034) 312 3566; Pavilion Westville (031) 265 1072; Shallcross (031) 409 1411; South Coast Mall Shelley Beach (039) 315 5121.