Living with diabetes can make it hard to take a step back and look at the journey so far. Nikita Sweeney took some time to reflect on 13 years of managing diabetes, what she’s learnt and what her hopes are for the future.
Author: Sweet Life
Sweet Life is a diabetes community that informs, inspires and connects people with diabetes in South Africa. We are here to offer reliable advice on all you need to know about diabetes, support people with diabetes and share that just because you have diabetes, doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy, healthy life.
Now that we’ve explored how diabetes, mental health and nutrition are connected, what about supplements? The body and mind are more connected than we often realise, and well-studied botanicals may play a beneficial role in supporting everyday balance.
We know how closely diabetes and mental health are connected, but how does nutrition fit into that?
Ready for some inspiration? Courtney Govender is sharing her story of navigating life with Type 2 diabetes, and Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS).
Wondering what snacks are diabetes-friendly? Try making this low carb crunchy chickpeas snack – simple enough to try today! Crunchy Chickpeas recipe Serves: 4 Ingredients:…
There’s a new CGM in town… and it’s the size of a R1 coin! The Syai Ultra CGM. We asked the team behind it why you should try the Syai.
Inspired by the lived experience of a young girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Naledi Ya Pholo is spreading awareness, tackling misinformation and building the community that Naledi hopes for.
The Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa’s work focuses on nutrition in healthcare and medical education. We connected with the PAN team at last year’s Diabetes Summit and had some follow up questions for them!
If you’re currently living with either Type 1 or 2 diabetes and have any positive stories of living well with diabetes to share, read on…
Are you looking for Healthy Living tips and advice? We’ve got it for you – in English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Xhosa, Xitsonga and Zulu. Helpful…
If you don’t know much about Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), it can be helpful to go over the basics of CGM. Here are the answers to all your questions!
Looking for a diabetes-friendly lunch recipe? This delicious Ratatouille recipe is just the thing. Ratatouille recipe Serves: 4 Ingredients: Method: Top tip: Make it your…
Mark Savary is a 61-year-old marketing executive, working in the field of cardiovascular-renal-metabolic disease. He first started treatment for Type 2 diabetes in 2018 – 3 years after his diagnosis in 2015. Curious? Keep reading below!
Type 2 diabetes CGM access is a hot topic. If you have Type 2 diabetes, it can be tricky getting your medical aid to approve CGM use. We asked diabetes advocate Riaan Naude to share his experience.
There’s a new CGM available in South Africa that not only tells you what your blood sugar is doing now and has done in the past, but gives you an idea of where they will be in the future. Here’s all you need to know about the Accu-Chek® SmartGuide continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Why not switch up your dinner prep with this low carb Spinach and Feta Pie? Tasty, healthy and easy to add different flavours. Spinach and…
You may have heard us talking about Healthy Jozi with our South Africans with Diabetes community. Want to know more about it?
Let’s get to know Lyn Sewell, who uses her 36 years of experience living with diabetes to provide support, products and inspiration for the diabetes community across South Africa.
Looking for a diabetes-friendly lunch recipe? Try this quick and tasty (low carb!) Broccoli and Mushroom Soup. Broccoli and Mushroom Soup recipe Serves: 4 Ingredients:…
Wondering how to make your morning eggs as nutritious as possible? We’ve got the diabetes-friendly Frittata recipe for you! Frittata recipe Serves: 4 Ingredients: Method:…
Eksoda Mazibuko is a 36-year-old diabetes advocate who founded the Hluvukani Diabetes Support Group. The group provides diabetes education, emotional support, and exercise sessions. Eksoda, diagnosed with diabetes 17 years ago, also raises awareness and funds to buy diabetes equipment for those in need.
Finding the right continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be a challenge… Luckily, SA Diabetes Advocacy has developed a checklist to help us make informed decisions about our management tools with confidence.
We know that many South Africans with Diabetes struggle with nerve health, which is why we were so excited to hear about a new supplement that supports healthy nerves and may assist with the symptoms associated with neuropathy. Read on for more!
Craving something sweeter for a snack? These Honey Cookies are a special sweet treat just for you… Honey Cookies recipe Makes: 15 Ingredients: Method: Top…
Meet Jared Hinde, a Director of Photography living with Type 1 diabetes. Jared and his cycling partner, Con Malherbe, a multiple myeloma survivor, are no strangers to doing hard things. This time? They’re fundraising on behalf of CANSA Active by doing the 2026 ABSA Cape Epic mountain bike stage race. Get inspired below!
Looking for a diabetes-friendly dinner recipe? This Chimichurri with Whole Braaied Veg recipe is perfect to take your veg to the next level! Chimichurri with…
Lindie Motsoane is a passionate diabetes advocate who has has been living with Type 2 diabetes since 2008. We ask her why she’s dedicated to diabetes…
Looking for a diabetes mentor? These community members are here to help. Feel free to reach out to them directly if you’d like to connect!
Have you heard of StoryRx? The team behind it, led by Stellenbosch University, are co-creating AI-powered stories with people living with Type 2 diabetes, healthcare workers, and community partners. Here’s how to get involved.
Looking for a diabetes-friendly lunch recipe? Try this easy Asian Slaw – just mix together and eat! Asian Slaw recipe Serves: 4 Slaw ingredients: Asian…
Jordyn Dreyer is a practising artist, an unapologetic croissant enthusiast, and she’s been living with diabetes for 5 years.
Looking for a diabetes-friendly breakfast recipe? Here’s one that’s easy, tasty and low carb.
What is medication adherence and why should you care? Let’s talk about it!
Wow, but it has been a busy and exciting year! Here are some of the highlights.
As part of #WearBlueforDiabetes & Change a Life, we ran a competition: hold your own diabetes event, share it online, and stand a chance to win big!
When we asked our South Africans with Diabetes community what their favourite diabetes app is, one answer came out loud and clear: mySugr! But why? Let’s find out.
While most people know about Type 2 diabetes, there is an important condition before
progressing to diabetes – prediabetes – which you should talk to your family members about. Here’s why it’s important, and some helpful tips to get you started
Our 7 day meal plan for diabetes has been so successful that we decided to give you an alternative for every single meal… Making it a 14 day diabetes meal plan!
The 2025 Diabetes Summit is happening from 11th to 13th November in Johannesburg! Here’s what you need to know.
Wil jy weet wat om te eet as diabeet, of om gewig te verloor? Dié Gids vir Gesonde Kos wys jou presies watter kossoorte om te kies (en wat om te vermy), asook die regte porsiegroottes.
Mag diabete vrugte eet? Dit is iets wat baie mense in ons diabetesgemeenskap vra. Ons het die dieetkundige en diabetes-opvoeder Louise Ferreira vir wenke genader.
People with diabetes need to be empowered to manage their own health. But how can they do that if they don’t know their diabetes rights?
A large part of creating awareness about diabetes is through community. We asked Be Active For Diabetes how they are creating a space for people with diabetes to meet each other, be active together and create real change… and what they’re planning to do next!
Een van die vrae wat ons hééltyd by South Africans with Diabetes kry, is wat mense met diabetes mag eet. Hier is die eenvoudige antwoord:
Ons weet niemand is lus om oor die risikofaktore van tipe 2-diabetes te praat nie, maar kan jy ’n minuut afstaan vir dié oulike troeteldier-video?
Every year, when we start thinking about #WearBlueforDiabetes, our National Diabetes Month campaign, we have one question: How can we have the biggest impact?
This year, our answer is a little different…
10 vinnige feite oor die HbA1c-bloedtoetsWeet jy wat ’n HbA1c-bloedtoets is? Jy sal binnekort!
Wil jy weet hoe om tipe 2-diabetes om te keer? Lees verder! Ons het raad – direk van die kundiges.
Kom ons gesels oor lae bloedsuikervlakke: die simptome, hoe dit voel, en wat jy moet doen as iemand naby aan jou dit beleef. Die meeste diabete is dit eens – dit is aaklig.