Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often linked to behavioural risk factors like smoking, eating the wrong kind of food, carrying too much weight, not exercising enough, and drinking too much alcohol. Screening for CVD, and other NCDs (non-communicable diseases) is essential for early detection, treatment and prevention of other health complications.
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.
Looking for inspiration beyond your front door? Claire Barnardo has some great ideas for enjoying the outside more. Unwind in nature Whether it’s rain or…
We all know how exhausting living with diabetes can be – here are 10 easy ways to offer support to your diabetic partner. Being a…
Diabetic hiking A weekend hike is not just a fun, affordable activity for the whole family, it’s also one of the best ways to enjoy…
Bridget McNulty goes for a reiki session to see what it can do for diabetics. At first glance, reiki seems a little odd. How can…
It’s the highest mountain in Africa, but that didn’t stop Neil Rae – a Type 1 diabetic for 50 years – from wanting to climb…
Type 1 diabetes used to be diagnosed in the young; Type 2, mostly in older people. But the picture is changing. Why? And what can…
Ask the dietician: Genevieve Jardine From our community: “I know that as a diabetic I should always try and be good, but sometimes it’s hard……
Are you testing your blood sugar the right way? It’s easy to make these common mistakes! Here are some top tips to ensure you get…
Why not declutter your life more by using the KonMari Method? Charis Le Riche shows us how. Living with diabetes is challenging enough as it…
“I feel like my husband thinks that if I don’t see him cheating on his diet, it doesn’t count. I don’t want to be a…
Why fun group exercise works Struggling to get started on a fitness routine? Maybe you need to try exercising in a group. It’s far more…
From Facebook (Diabetic South Africans): Belinda wants to know if there are any parents of Type 1 diabetic kids out there… Want to share advice?…
Neville Pillay is one of Durban’s favourite DJs and comedians… Who just happens to be a Type 2 diabetic. We speak to him about keeping…
If there’s one question we get all the time, it’s about the insulin pump: what is it, how it works and how to get it…
Diabetes diet FAQ We asked dietician Cheryl Mayer to answer this diabetes diet FAQ and explain to people with diabetes what we should be eating.…
Neuropathy is one of the most common diabetes-related complications. Here’s what you need to know about it…
Do you struggle to let loose? Here are 10 great ideas from Claire Barnardo that show you how to really relax… When did life get…
“Hi. This may seem like a silly question, but I want to know how do you tell a new partner that you have diabetes? Or…
Trail running for diabetes Tired of pounding the pavement or looking for a fun way to get active? Trail running may be the sport for…
From Facebook (Diabetic South Africans): What advice would you give a newly diagnosed diabetic? Get as much info as you can. Prepare to make lifestyle…
We chatted to community inspiration Veronica Vember about how she changes lives, one step at a time. What got you interested in diabetes at first?…
Diabetes South Africa: what is the story? We all know that more and more people are now living with Type 2 diabetes. It used to…
Not sure how much of your favourite foods to eat? We asked dietician Cheryl Meyer to explain South African portion sizes for us.
All diabetics know that foot care is really important, but do you know why? Preventing foot ulcers is an essential part of keeping your feet healthy. Here are some great tips.
Need to make more time for your family this year? Why not do it in style and have some fun too? Claire Barnardo leads the…
“This year I have a diabetic child in my class and I don’t really know what to do. I want to make him feel supported…
Choosing the right team sport No matter the season, exercising outdoors beats running on a treadmill in the gym. But can you do team sports…
We chat to Bongi Ngema-Zuma, First Lady and founder of the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation. Why did you start the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation? It has always…
Of all the sports a diabetic could choose, ice skating – with its precision, edge of danger and need to be feeling 100% every time…
Life-saving hormone There are no two ways about it: insulin is a miracle drug. It was discovered in 1921 and has saved millions of lives…
We ask dietician Genevieve Jardine for some advice for junk food for diabetics – food that is somewhat healthy but still a treat!
Newly diagnosed with diabetes? We get to grips with what your medical scheme can do for you, and what you might have to budget for…
Staying young at heart is easy with these great activities. Charis Le Riche gives us some ideas… Though you might not be able to turn…
“My son is a Type 1 diabetic, but I don’t want to be overly protective and make him feel he can’t do anything. Do you…
Want to have a more flexible body and improve your circulation? Nicole McCreedy tells us why stretching should be part of everyone’s day – especially…
Gabi Richter is a diabetic counsellor on our Panel of Experts. Today, she speaks to us about the day you’re diagnosed with diabetes. The day…
From our community blog: Hi! I wonder if anyone can advise me. I’m 27 (soon to be 28) and was diagnosed as a Type 2…
We ask Dr. Tracey Naledi, the Chief Director of Health Programmes for the Western Cape Department of Health, to share her personal health tips and what…
Do you need to take natural supplements for diabetes? Let’s take a look at the available options.
What do you drink when you have diabetes? We asked dietician Genevieve Jardine to give us ideas for the best diabetes-friendly drinks. Here are her ideas!
Gabi Richter is a diabetic counsellor on our Panel of Experts. Today, she speaks to us about diabetes and depression. Diabetes and depression Managing everyday…
Do you know what brittle diabetes is? We asked one of our readers, Rencia, to share her story of living with brittle diabetes with us.…
Want to keep healthy all-year round? We’ve found the fastest ways to improve your immunity. A big part of being healthy is, obviously, eating the right food and exercising. Here are some other great tips!
Kids are undoubtedly hard work… But they’re also masters at forcing us to unwind! And if there’s one thing people with diabetes need, it’s to…
How to help a friend with diabetes “A friend at work is diabetic, and I’ve never really thought about it before because he seems to…
Start exercising today It’s so important to exercise – for general health and also for blood sugar control. But how do you start exercising today?…
Avoid dehydration When you think of your diet as it relates to your diabetes, the first thing you think of is probably not how to avoid…
From our community blog: Good morning, I am in urgent need of assistance to help me get my diabetes / blood sugar levels in control…
You would never guess that Trevor Davids, a business consultant, film and TV producer and biker filled with the joys of life, has Type 2…