From childhood to old age diabetes can strike anyone at any stage of life. Premier Alan Winde and the Western Cape Department of Health are driving this message home on World Diabetes Day (Friday 14 November).

According to a press release from the Western Cape Department of Health this year’s awareness campaign emphasises the importance of early detection and proper management across all age groups.

“On World Diabetes Day I want to remind every person that early detection and healthy habits can make all the difference,” said Winde.

This year’s Diabetes Awareness Month theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores the universal nature of this serious chronic condition, which can damage vital organs including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and circulation if not properly managed.

Living with the reality

Justice Lose knows this reality firsthand. Diagnosed in his early 20s, he recalled having “tell-tale symptoms of excessive thirst and urination, and went to the clinic where I was diagnosed with diabetes.”

The initial shock has given way to careful management. “I keep an eye on my portions and opt to walk as much and as often as possible,” he said. This approach allows him still to enjoy traditional dishes such as umphokoqo, just in smaller portions and cooled down first.

Living with type-1 diabetes means Lose depends on chronic insulin treatment from his local clinic’s chronic club.

“We used to get syringes, but this has changed. I now use an insulin pen, which I must say is easier for me.”

Official support and warnings

Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger emphasised that support is available: “Living with a chronic disease is not a journey anyone should walk alone. Our clinics are here to support you, and with regular care, people with diabetes can live long, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

The urgency for awareness is real. Dietitian Nadene Polayya explained that diabetes is a leading cause of disability and premature death, though it can be prevented and managed with proper support.

Regular screening and early detection are critical because many people live with diabetes without knowing it.

Critical warning signs

Parents should watch for warning signs in children: excessive thirst, frequent urination, sudden weight loss, constant tiredness and fruity-smelling breath. Immediate blood-sugar testing can save lives.

Poor diabetes control particularly threatens feet, causing nerve damage and loss of sensation that can lead to amputation. Daily foot checks, proper washing, comfortable shoes and immediate medical attention for wounds are essential.

Managing the disease

Successful management involves eating high-fibre foods, limiting starch portions to fist size, choosing lean proteins and healthy fats, drinking water instead of sugary drinks and maintaining regular smaller meals while avoiding added sugars.

Winde, who has lived with diabetes for years, offered personal insight:

Managing diabetes is not always easy, but it is possible, and it starts with small, daily choices.

Getting help

Free diabetes screening and management services await at all public health facilities, offering blood-sugar testing, foot-care clinics, nutrition education and support groups for those ready to take control of their health.