By Pitso Molemane
Kaya FM Senior Journalist
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires consistent attention, advances in treatment and self-management.
The confition now has tools to make it possible for people living with it to lead full, healthy, and productive lives.
There may be challenges in maintaining blood sugar levels within the recommended range, but with discipline and knowledge, diabetes is manageable.
For most people with diabetes, a target blood sugar range of 5 to 7 mmol/L before meals is typical—though this can vary depending on individual medical advice.
Understanding Diabetes:
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D):
An autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone that regulates blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter the body’s cells for energy.
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): Develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
People living with either type are encouraged to seek continuous education about the condition to empower themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to manage it successfully and live without limitations.
World Diabetes Day 2025:
“Diabetes and Well-being”.
November is the diaberes month and the 14th day marks World Diabetes Day, an annual global event aimed at raising awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and management.
This year the theme is “Diabetes and Well-being,” with a specific focus on “Diabetes in the Workplace.”
It highlights that managing diabetes is not only about controlling blood glucose levels, but also about maintaining overall physical, emotional, and mental health.
It calls on employers to support staff living with diabetes, while also creating opportunities such as workplace wellness days, to educate all employees about healthy living and diabetes prevention.
Living with diabetes often requires careful attention to daily habits food choices, exercise routines, and medication adherence which can affect one’s sense of freedom and future outlook.
How to Manage Diabetes Effectively?
•Commit to healthy living. Medication alone is not enough.
Successful diabetes management requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and adherence to medical treatment.
Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
▪︎Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity and overall well-being.
•Take prescribed medication consistently, even when you feel well.
•Monitor blood sugar levels. Frequent monitoring helps identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to diet or medication.
•Avoid smoking because tobacco use worsens insulin resistance and increases complications associated with Type 2 diabetes.
•Modern tools have revolutionized diabetes management:
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Small sensors placed under the skin to continuously track blood sugar levels and send real-time updates to a smartphone—reducing the need for frequent finger pricks.
Smart Insulin Pens:
Reusable devices that sync with smartphone apps to calculate doses, track injections, and send helpful reminders or alerts.
Living Proof:
Diabetes Is not a limitation.
Many people have lived long, fulfilling lives despite being diagnosed with diabetes decades ago.
Professor Mbulelo Dyasi has lived with diabetes for more than 10 years.
Veteran actress Lillian Dube, now 80, has managed Type 2 diabetes for 35 years.
Their longevity and vitality demonstrate that with discipline, good blood sugar control, healthy habits, and a positive outlook, life with diabetes can be long and rewarding.
Pitso Molemane has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 42 years. He is a senior journalist at Kaya FM.
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