Cape Town residents urged to do regular screenings as diabetes rises in younger age groups

The City of Cape Town is urging residents to undergo regular medical screenings in observance of World Diabetes Day.

Data from clinics across the city reveals a concerning trend: diabetes screenings among the 18 to 44 age group have increased by over 4%.

READ: Gauteng Health Department leads World Diabetes day drive in Soweto

Francine Higham, the mayoral committee member (MMC) for community services and health, stressed the vital importance of regular screenings, noting that early detection significantly aids in treatment options.

"Historically, it is associated with older persons, but recent trends show that Type 2 Diabetes is starting to affect younger persons. More and more people in their 20s are diagnosed with it, and the cause is often the choices they made as teenagers."

The city’s campaign aims to raise awareness about the shifting demographics of the disease and encourage proactive health management across all age cohorts.