By Reu'el McAllister Singh (Communications Intern)
14 November marks World Diabetes Day. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024–2026 is "Diabetes and Well-Being," highlighting the importance of providing appropriate access to diabetes care and support for overall well-being. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. South Africa records an estimated 4.3 million affected adults, around 1 in 9, highlighting the urgent need for effective management and awareness efforts. With the right resources, everyone living with diabetes has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to convert food into energy because it has problems with insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb sugar from food. When the body can't use insulin properly or doesn't make enough, sugar builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar. If not treated, this can lead to serious problems like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. Early detection and treatment can help control the condition and prevent complications.
Three Main Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes: Occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, often due to lifestyle factors such as obesity. This is the most common type of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy causing elevated blood sugar levels and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms differ depending on the type. Type 1 diabetes typically develops quickly, with noticeable symptoms such as frequent urination, intense thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue. In some cases, nausea or stomach pain may also occur. Type 2 diabetes tends to progress more slowly and often has mild or unnoticed symptoms, including increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and slow-healing wounds. Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, often doesn't show symptoms, which is why pregnant women are advised to get tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor for a blood sugar test and early diagnosis.
The Diabetes Crisis in South Africa
Diabetes has become a leading cause of death in South Africa, with many individuals undiagnosed, further straining an already overburdened healthcare system. The rise of Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to obesity, which is driven by unhealthy diets and inactive lifestyles. Nearly half of the South Africa's adult population is overweight or obese, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as hypertension and heart disease. Despite the fact that diabetes can be prevented and managed, it remains inadequately controlled, highlighting the necessity for stronger healthcare, education, and preventive measures.
South Africa's healthcare systems, both public and private, are under strain, with access to diabetes care varying significantly between urban and rural regions. Many low-income communities struggle with the high costs of managing diabetes and lack adequate health insurance, making early diagnosis and ongoing care more difficult. As a result, many patients in the public sector lack essential medications and diagnostic tools, worsening the diabetes crisis.
Preventing Diabetes Through Lifestyle Changes
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommends that individuals engage in at least 30–45 minutes of physical activity, three to five days a week, to improve insulin sensitivity and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection. Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Healthy habits include:
Drink water, coffee, or tea instead of sugary drinks like fruit juice or soda.
Eat at least three servings of vegetables and up to three servings of fresh fruit daily.
Choose healthy snacks like nuts, fresh fruit, or unsweetened yogurt.
Limit alcohol to a maximum of two standard drinks per day.
Opt for lean proteins over red or processed meats.
Replace chocolate spread with peanut butter.
Choose whole grains over refined grains.
Use unsaturated fats like olive oil and avocado oil instead of saturated fats found in butter, lard, or full-fat dairy products.
Resources and Support for Managing Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be controlled. South Africa offers a variety of resources to help manage the condition. Organisations like Diabetes South Africa (DSA) and the South African Diabetes Alliance (SADA) provide valuable educational materials, support groups, and awareness campaigns. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) also offers global resources and advocacy to support people living with diabetes. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals, including dietitians and diabetes educators, are essential for personalised care. Both public and private healthcare systems offer support, with public healthcare providing free medication and monitoring. With these resources, managing diabetes becomes easier and support is readily available.
As we observe World Diabetes Day 2024, it's important to recognise that diabetes is not just a personal health challenge, but a major public health issue. By raising awareness, improving access to healthcare, and advocating for better policies, South Africans can make meaningful progress in combating this chronic disease. There's no sugar-coating it. Together, we can build a future where diabetes is controlled through accessible resources and public healthcare.