Hkc, I have been born and raised and lived in South Africa all my life and have been a type 1 for over 26 years... so I can speak from experience having diabetes in South Africa and being a South African. Honestly, South Africa needs to learn a lot about a lot of things... our government can't even keep the electricity on. And if you value your life, do NOT go to the state hospitals or clinics regarding diabetes, because the nurses know as much as the patient, if not less. And this is not a judgment, please understand that these are based on my experiences and observations over many years in many circumstances and speaking to many diabetics.

Ok regarding diabetes in South Africa - let's break it down:
(There are many aspects affecting each cultural group differently)
* Many people are naive else ignorant. They think they know everything but know very little. Else they know that they don't know, but don't care. "Ostrich sticking it's head in the sand". They very stubborn, and ignorance is bliss.
* Many people are misinformed as well, even by professionals. I have had many debates with dieticians, specialists and even nurses who give misinformed conflicting information. The doctors are very good and very informed, but only if their patients "listen" to them.
* Some cultures believe witch-doctors will help/cure them, which is very detrimental to their health. And if you try explain to them otherwise, they think you racist and that this is nothing but Western/European lies. Similar to the arrogant ignorance displayed regarding HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.
* And many people don't take responsibility for their illness and expect government or someone else to manage it their diabetes and sort it out. Shifting blame and responsibilities is common in South Africa.

These are some of reasons why many South Africans with diabetes are struggling to manage their sugars and general health. Which is why when I was diagnosed I took full responsibility for my chronic illness and educated myself as much as possible, and still educating myself with new/latest information and technologies.

There are some excellent medical professionals in south africa. But you have to ask the right questions to get the information you need. When I was diagnosed, I didn't know what the right question was.
But this does not take away from the very good diagnosis done and medication chosen by the specialist to remedy my condition.
This site provides very good information which will not easily be accessed from any doctor or any other source. And some very nice people giving the information😀
For many people, not everything recommend is affordable. Somewhere between what has to be done and what can be done, I try to find the remedy.
Wishing you all the best health outcomes!

I think its the same here I know many people who just take more meds if sugar is high. Never watch what they eat. I get scowled at if I say anything!

Hi there is no question about it, there's definitely a different mindset here. A lot of diabetics throw caution to the wind. However not all of us are that way. Two examples.... First one when I was diagnosed i was referred to a dietician by my specialist, if I continued following het diet I would have ended up gravely ill,or on insulin I chose not to follow her diet. Second one, I underwent surgery for a rotating cuff way back, for supper I was given a huge portion of potoes mashed something else and to top it all I was given desert. I spoke to the presiding dietician and she said it was okay for me to have that carb loaded food. Whether that has changed over the years,... I really don't know. I do think this is a major issue for people from our country...... It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that there's either a huge gap between us and other countries or the powers that be cannot handle the situation. I personally feel there's a lot to learn and it takes a lot of discipline to control our levels. There's a lot of info out there, we should take responsibility. Million dollar question so many diabetic associations in our country, what was the reasoning behind our medical aid signing us up with you guys, obviously you are the role models. Just my thoughts if I have hurt anyone kindly forgive me 🤗

Perhaps that's why so many newbies from SA have joined.Maybe through this site the standard will rise.