By REGINALD KANYANE
13 November 2026 – Diabetes South Africa is urging members of the public to take early action against diabetes through regular screening, healthier lifestyle choices and improved disease management. This comes after the country continues to face a growing diabetes burden.
According to the latest mortality statistics released by Statistics South Africa (SSA), diabetes mellitus was the leading underlying natural cause of death in 2023, claiming 27 692 lives. The call comes ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14 November, which provides an opportunity for people living with diabetes, healthcare professionals, policymakers and communities to unite in raising awareness and strengthening the fight against the disease.
Diabetes South Africa Public Relations Consultant, Thandiwe McCloy said this year’s theme: “Early Action on Diabetes”, highlights the importance of early diagnosis, reducing risk factors and ensuring timely access to appropriate healthcare. McCloy said early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes, prevent or delay serious complications, lower long-term healthcare costs and enable people living with the condition to lead healthier lives.
“The need for greater awareness and early screening is particularly important because many people are living with undiagnosed diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, which accounts for approximately 90% of all diagnosed cases in South Africa.
“Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, often presenting with mild or hardly noticeable symptoms. As a result, many people only discover that they have the condition when serious health complications have already developed,” she said.
McCloy further said they are therefore encouraging everyone to understand the warning signs, know their blood glucose levels and seek medical advice early. She added that although accurate national figures remain a challenge, Diabetes South Africa estimates that approximately five million people in the country are living with diabetes.
“Several socioeconomic and lifestyle factors contribute to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in South Africa. These include unhealthy diets linked to low household incomes, limited opportunities for physical activity and changing lifestyles associated with urbanisation.
“Many people who move from rural areas to urban centres in search of employment also experience changes in their eating habits, increasingly relying on fast foods and inexpensive processed meals. Poverty and limited access to affordable, nutritious food can make it difficult for families to maintain healthy eating habits,” said McCloy.
She said in addition, their reliance on public transport, including taxis and buses, can reduce opportunities for regular physical activity. McCloy said they need to make conscious efforts to improve our lifestyles and set positive examples for their children because healthy habits developed at home can influence future generations.
“Genetic factors also contribute to the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can further increase susceptibility. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels.
“In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin effectively, resulting in glucose accumulating in the bloodstream, instead of entering cells to provide energy,” she said.
McCloy said Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, develops when the body produces little or no insulin, requiring people with the condition to receive insulin treatment to survive. She said recognising the warning signs is essential for early diagnosis.
“Common symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, persistent tiredness and blurred vision. However, Type 2 diabetes symptoms may remain mild for years, making regular screening particularly important. Type 1 diabetes symptoms generally develop more rapidly and can be severe, with extreme weight loss, nausea and vomiting.
“Without urgent medical attention, severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, coma and death may occur. So, we advise people with a family history of diabetes to undergo regular blood glucose testing, preferably at least annually or as recommended by a healthcare professional,” said McCloy.
She said individuals can also reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a balanced, nutritious diet. McCloy said adults are encouraged to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, which can be achieved through 30 minutes of exercise on five days.
“Physical activity does not necessarily require an expensive gym membership. Walking, cycling, taking the stairs instead of the lift, parking further away from shopping centre entrances and joining local walking, hiking or aerobics groups are practical ways to remain active.
“Online exercise programmes also provide opportunities for people to exercise from home. A healthy diet is equally important in reducing diabetes risk. People are encouraged to include non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and cauliflower,” she said.
McCloy said this will includes whole grains such as oats and brown rice, legumes and beans, including lentils and chickpeas, fruits such as apples, berries, grapes and citrus fruits, fatty fish such as sardines and tuna, healthy fats found in avocados, walnuts and almonds and plain yoghurt. She said reducing the consumption of sugary drinks, cakes, refined carbohydrates and highly processed foods can also contribute to better blood glucose control and overall health.
“We acknowledge that the cost of nutritious food can be a challenge for many households, but encourages consumers to look out for supermarket specials, compare prices and consider buying fresh produce from local markets, where affordable options may be available.
“For people already diagnosed with diabetes, effective management is critical to preventing serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Poorly controlled diabetes can damage nerves, particularly in the feet and legs, and increase the risk of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, infections, slow wound healing, gum disease and amputations,” said McCloy.
She said people living with diabetes are encouraged to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and take prescribed medication consistently. According to McCloy, a balanced diet and regular meals are also important, particularly for people living with Type 2 diabetes.
“Skipping meals can contribute to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and should be avoided unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional. Diabetes can cause both hypoglycemia, which refers to dangerously low blood glucose levels and hyperglycaemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels become too high.
“Both conditions can become medical emergencies if left untreated. People living with diabetes should consult their healthcare providers about recognising the symptoms, monitoring their glucose levels and responding appropriately when these conditions occur,” she said.
Meanwhile, South African actress Sophie Ndaba, who lives with Type 2 diabetes, has also highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, consistency and making informed daily health choices.
“Every day requires conscious decisions about what I eat, how I live and how I manage my glucose levels. For me, managing diabetes is a journey of patience, consistency and taking responsibility for my well-being.
“I am still learning and doing my best to live a healthier life. We need more awareness, support and understanding because behind every diagnosis is a person fighting daily to live well,” she said.
Ndaba also emphasises the importance of paying attention to prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet within the range for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. She said without appropriate lifestyle changes and early intervention, some people with prediabetes may go on to develop Type 2 diabetes.
“Know your numbers, get your blood sugar tested, take your health seriously and do not wait until you feel sick before seeking medical advice. Let us turn awareness into action and make diabetes a conversation that saves lives,” urged Ndaba.
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