World Diabetes Day 2025: Premier Winde: “Managing diabetes is not always easy”

November is globally recognised as Diabetes Awareness Month, with World Diabetes Day being marked on Friday, 14 November 2025.

This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” serves as an important reminder that diabetes can affect anyone, from childhood to old age, and that effective management is essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

The Serious Reality of Living with Diabetes

Diabetes is more than just “high sugar levels.” It is a chronic, progressive condition that, if not properly managed, can cause lasting damage to vital organs and even lead to life-threatening complications. Uncontrolled blood sugar can harm the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and circulation and can also make it more difficult for wounds to heal.

Justice Lose was in his early twenties when he was first diagnosed. “I had the telltale symptoms of excessive thirst and urination and went to the clinic where I was diagnosed with diabetes. It was quite a shock getting the news, but I have been living with this disease now for many years and know and have been lucky not to have suffered serious complications. I keep an eye on my portions and opt to walk as much and often as possible”. 

He still enjoys traditional dishes such as umphokoqo but ensures he eats smaller portions and lets it cool first. When asked about his treatment, “I get my medication from my local clinic, where I am part of a 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.” Justice has type 1 diabetes, which means he must be on chronic insulin treatment and needs to monitor his glucose levels carefully.

Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness ensures communities that support is available:

“Living with a chronic disease is not a journey anyone should walk alone. Our clinics are here to support you, our teams are ready to guide you, and with regular care, people with diabetes can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Your health is worth the effort, and every step you take today builds a stronger tomorrow.”

According to Nadene Polayya, Dietitian at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, “Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and premature death. However, the good news is that it can be prevented and managed with the right lifestyle and medical support. Regular screening and early detection are critical because many people live with diabetes without knowing it. The main disabilities that I see are poor eyesight, burning or painful feet and lower limb amputations.”

Adhering to your treatment plan and ensuring you keep your follow-up appointments helps to control your diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes can reduce blood flow and cause nerve damage, especially in the feet. This leads to loss of sensation, making it easy to overlook cuts, blisters, or sores that can quickly become infected and lead to ulcers or even amputation.

To protect your feet:

• Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts, redness, or swelling.
• Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.
• Wear comfortable shoes and never walk barefoot.

Visit your clinic or podiatrist immediately if you notice non-healing wounds or changes in skin colour or sensation.

Signs to watch out for, especially in children:

Diabetes can affect anyone, including children. Warning signs to look out for in your child include:

• Drinking excessive amounts of water or milk
• Frequent urination, even at night
• Sudden weight loss
• Constant tiredness or irritability
• Fruity-smelling breath or unexplained nausea

 If you notice any of these symptoms, take your child to the nearest clinic or health facility immediately for a blood sugar test. Early detection can save a life.

To help manage blood sugar:

• Choose high-fibre foods such as oats, lentils, beans, chickpeas, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits with skin.
• Limit starch portions to the size of your fist or 1 cupped hand.
• Eat lean proteins like fish, chicken without the skin, eggs, beans or tofu to stay fuller for longer.
• Use healthy fats (olive oil, canola oil, avocado, nuts) instead of saturated fats (coconut oil, animal fat)
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Don't skip meals. Eat smaller portions regularly to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• Limit added sugars and refined (low-fibre) carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, sweetened cereals).

“There is no cure for diabetes yet, but with proper management, including healthy eating, regular exercise, medication or insulin use, and ongoing medical care, people living with diabetes can lead long, active, and healthy lives,” says Nadine.

Premier Alan Winde has been living with diabetes for years. He has this advice: “I know how important it is to stay active, eat well, and keep your health in check. Managing diabetes is not always easy, but it is possible, and it starts with small, daily choices. On World Diabetes Day, I want to remind every person that early detection and healthy habits can make all the difference.

Where to Get Help

• Free diabetes screening and management services are available at all public health facilities. Ask your local clinic about:
• Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing
• Foot and wound care clinics
• Nutrition and diabetes education sessions
• Support groups for people living with diabetes

Take charge of your health. Early detection and consistent care can save your sight, your limbs, and your life.