Be Active For Diabetes

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!

What is Be Active For Diabetes?

Be Active For Diabetes (BAFD) is more than just an awareness event — it’s a movement designed to support and connect people living with diabetes.

Our goal is to create a space where diabetics can share their stories, struggles, and victories with others who truly understand what they’re going through.

How does getting active play into this?

Physical activity plays a powerful role in managing diabetes, and that’s why we’ve built this event around being active together. BAFD promotes healthy, active living as a tool to help manage blood sugar levels, improve mental wellbeing, and build a supportive community.

But our vision doesn’t stop at one event. We dream of growing Be Active For Diabetes into an ongoing initiative — with multiple events each year and active clubs under the BAFD name. These clubs will encourage consistent movement and connection, helping to raise awareness of diabetes year-round.

Unfortunately, diabetes awareness is still limited. Many people — even close family members — don’t fully understand what diabetes is or the serious side effects it can bring. That’s why BAFD is committed to spreading accurate information and building understanding.

Just like managing diabetes, we believe in setting small, achievable goals and taking each day as it comes. Step by step, we’re building a healthier future — together.

Why did you start it?

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved sports and being active — but running has always been something special. It gave me a sense of freedom and control, even when diabetes made everything else feel uncertain. When I ran, I felt like I could push past the limits diabetes tried to set for me.

As I got older, running took on a deeper meaning. I started running with purpose — to create awareness about diabetes and show others what living with this condition really means.

In 2024, I ended up in hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). That experience changed me. After leaving the hospital, I had a renewed appreciation for life and a strong desire to make a difference, especially for others living with diabetes in under-resourced communities.

Be Active For Diabetes was born out of this mission — not just to raise awareness, but to build a community and provide real support where it’s most needed.

What was your event like last year?

Last year’s event was actually a very spontaneous decision — we had only six weeks to plan it! But it ended up being far more successful and meaningful than we could have ever imagined. Over 100 people showed up to support diabetes awareness and to stand in solidarity with those living with the condition.

We hosted the event at The Village in Hazelwood, where we planned a 5km route for participants to walk or run. Before the run began, I gave a short thank you speech and shared a bit of my own story. I highlighted some of the daily challenges diabetics face — and how important the support of friends and family is in fighting this ongoing battle.

It was a simple but powerful day that showed us just how much community and connection matter — and it confirmed our belief that this movement has the potential to grow into something much bigger.

After the run, each participant received a small medal and a bottle of water, generously donated by our sponsors.

The energy was so positive — even after the event ended, friends and families continued the day by heading off to local restaurants for breakfast, still dressed in their blue to show support for diabetes awareness.

What are your hopes for this year’s event?

This year, we hope to expand the awareness we’re creating and reach even more people — not only in numbers attending but in the depth of understanding they leave with. We want more people to show up, learn, connect, and support the diabetes community.

One exciting addition is the introduction of a 10km route alongside the original 5km, giving participants more options based on their fitness levels and goals.

Last year we had very little time to plan, but with more preparation this time, we aim to create a more informative environment.

We want people to walk away with a deeper understanding of what diabetes really is — including the long-term health risks, side effects, and the emotional challenges diabetics face every day.

Another goal is to create a more social and supportive space after the run. Instead of everyone heading off in different directions, we’d love to see diabetics and their supporters staying behind to connect, share their stories, and encourage one another.

It’s not just about the run — it’s about building a strong, informed,
and empowered community.

How can our community get involved?

We want to invite all South Africans with Diabetes to support the cause — your presence alone helps create visibility and awareness for diabetes. One of the most powerful things diabetics can do is share their personal stories: how they manage their condition, the daily struggles they face, and the small victories others might not even realize are significant.

By opening up, you help break down misunderstandings and bring attention to the real, everyday impact of living with diabetes — something many people don’t fully understand unless they’ve lived it themselves.

We also welcome input and ideas on how we can continue to build healthy, active communities for diabetics. Whether it’s through sharing knowledge, volunteering, or suggesting new ways to support one another, every voice matters. Together, we can keep growing this movement and make a lasting impact.

What makes your life sweet?

My life became truly sweet when I stopped asking, “Why me?” and started asking, “Why not me?” That simple shift in mindset changed everything. Instead of seeing diabetes as something that held me back, I began to recognize the strength and resilience it has given me — like my determination to never give up, no matter the struggle.

This new perspective helped me move from a victim mindset to one of gratitude. I now appreciate how this condition has shaped me and given me a purpose: to make a meaningful impact in the world by supporting others who are living with diabetes.

Diabetes has also taught me to value the little things: the everyday blessings that are so easy to overlook.

It’s given me a deeper appreciation for how incredibly we are made by God, and how beautifully and precisely the human body is designed. In many ways, that’s what makes life sweet for me — knowing that even through challenges, there is purpose, beauty, and hope.

Want to know more?

Complete this form to register for the event.

Connect with @beactivefordiabetes on Instagram to follow their journey!