South African Women with Diabetes

We are so proud to introduce this round-up of South African women with diabetes.

What is it like to be a woman living with diabetes in South Africa?

That’s the question we posted to our South Africans with Diabetes community, and here’s what they had to say. More than 30 women telling us what it’s actually like to live with diabetes in SA in 2025. The daily challenges, the advice, the faces behind SA Women with Diabetes.

This Women’s Day, we celebrate these powerful women – living their best lives, with a chronic condition.

Moleboheng Octivia Lephoi

Moleboheng Lephoi is a 42-year-old who has been living with diabetes for 5 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Be yourself, don’t stress too much about being diabetic, because we are living in a borrowed time.”

Ashleigh Paige

Ashleigh Paige is a 28-year-old from Johannesburg. The 14th of June 2021 marked 14 years living with diabetes.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Diabetes has been a journey of pain, heightened emotion, love and discipline for me. Over the last 14 years, I find that I’m constantly adapting my life to better suit my needs for my future. I strive to control my blood sugars to keep living an active lifestyle, while still enjoying my sweets and chocolates. This includes continuously educating my friends, family and coworkers around me.

The journey of self control and discipline is ongoing, and I hope my fellow diabetics can see the light at the end of every bad blood glucose day they may have!

We are strong and we are brave, we choose to fight each day, but we all need to learn to live in those times too.”

Find Ashleigh on Instagram @ashleighplevin

Gadija Abdol & her mom Rukhsana Hoosain

Gadija Abdol is the 32-year-old daughter of Rukhsana Hoosain, who will be 59 years old in October and has been living with diabetes since the age of 3 – that’s 57 years!

As an only child, Gadija takes care of her mom when needed.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“The best advice I can give anyone living with this illness, is that it’s definitely not a life sentence. My circumstance is that my mom’s sugar levels drop quite often and she finds herself in a hypoglycaemic coma too many times. This may sound out of the ordinary but trust me with the right mindset, you can make things right.

Like every other illness out there, one has to take good care of yourself, maintain a healthy lifestyle, find different routines that work best for you and always be calm. It definitely is easier said than done, I agree, but with time things literally get better.”

Tanya van Vuuren

Tanya van Vuuren is a 35-year-old from Randfontein, Gauteng. She has been living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 3: for 32 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“It is going to be okay! We are all allowed to have an off day every now and again.

Manage your diabetes to the best of your ability because each case is different and can’t be compared. Every day is a new day and a fresh start. Thank God for every day and just do your best!

If you fall, stand up and go on! Ask for help if you need it. Try your best because that is enough.”

Thapi Semenya

Thapi Semenya is a 25-year-old woman originally from Polokwane, Limpopo, now living in Cape Town. She has been living with Type 1 diabetes for 19 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Be gentler with yourself. On the days when your body feels out of sync or your numbers are all over the place, remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can. Reflect on how far you’ve come. That in itself is powerful.

There’s so much pressure to have it all together, but healing and managing a condition like diabetes doesn’t look the same every day.

Celebrate yourself even for the smallest wins. Book that solo lunch date, go for that spa day, or treat yourself to a movie night. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. And remember: loving yourself through the hard moments is what real strength looks like.”

Connect with Thapi on Instagram @thapisems and TikTok @thapisemenya.

Kim Shaw

Kim Shaw is 43 years old and lives in Cape Town. She’s had diabetes for almost 20 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“The toughest thing about diabetes as a woman is changing bodies, diabetes through pregnancies and having the time to take care of yourself!

Try and find a great endocrinologist or diabetes nurse to help you.

Be truthful about the things that scare you.”

Montsheng Botlhoko

Montsheng Botlhoko is a 42-year-old from Johannesburg who has had diabetes for 14 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Diabetes is like running a marathon and not reaching the finish line. Every day you have to show up for yourself and be proactive.

The best advice is listen to your doctors and stay active. Change your diet and keep moving: after all, we have a battle to win.”

Lyn Sewell

Lyn Sewell is a 58-year-old, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1990 and lives in Gauteng.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Don’t let diabetes get you down. Don’t let it upset or depress you, because that affects your sugar levels and causes more stress. Don’t change your entire life by listening to social media or trying to copy what other people say or do because each person is different.

Be happy, accept that you are alive, healthy and strong and take each day as it comes: one step at a time.”

Gail Sampson

Gail Sampson is 65 years old and has lived with diabetes for 15 years, although it went undetected for 2 years!

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Diabetes does not define who you are as a person. I believe I’m not living with diabetes, it’s living with me. Diabetes is squatting in your body, therefore do not allow it to control your life.

I am by no means a model diabetic, however it’s about moderation: difficult at times but doable. Often people say, “but you don’t look like a diabetic!” Well, I didn’t know diabetes had a special look. My motto is: Get up, Dress up and Show up!

You are in control, take charge and deal with it.
Live life to the fullest.”

Zahn-Mari Terblanche

Zahn-Mari Terblanche is a 29-year-old who has had diabetes for 19 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Stressing over the future makes it difficult to manage your blood glucose.

Take it one day at a time and know that you are doing your best, even when it feels like you are failing.”

Kgalalelo Mogano

Kgalalelo Mogano is 22 years old and has had diabetes for 9 years, after being diagnosed when she was 13.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“What helps me maintain my diabetes is drinking lots of water, warm water with cinnamon, 1/2 plate of veg for every meal and fruits during the day. Exercise at least once a day to keep healthy and fit. It’s okay to have sugar-free sweets in your purse but remember to still drink lots of water.

Managing stress also helps because if you are constantly stressing your glucose level will increase.”

Hanli Steyn

Hanli Steyn is 45 years old and has been living with diabetes for over 6 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2019. Changed my lifestyle and took control of my diagnosis bringing my HBA1c down and loosing about 27kg. It went well, but like all things life happens and my dad passed away and I just had no routine when eating. Ice cream on a Sunday was a lifesaver when feeling down. In 2023 I went to the GP again and my HBA1c was a nightmare, but also very, very high triglicerides and my GP just said, “You are in very big trouble.”

So this time I consulted with my dietician and she helped me a lot to get back on track with my eating and lifestyle. It is now two years late and I have lost 48kg in total. My HBA1c is 4.5 and I have a normal trigliceride count. The best of it all is I feel a new person.

Take control of your health.
It’s never too late to put your health first.

Health is not all about the weight you lose, but about the life you gain. Absolutely nothing tastes as good as skinny and HEALTHY feels. Don’t start a diet that has an expiration date, develop a lifestyle that will last forever.”

Shiara Pillay

Shiara Pillay is a 30-year-old from Cape Town who has had diabetes for 20 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Allow your diabetes to take up the space it needs (and deserves) for you to find acceptance, to figure it out, or to improve your lived experience. It takes one step at a time on the uphills to get you to the top!

Seek out community, be okay with unlearning and relearning, and appreciate the things that quiet the noise of diabetes management!”

Elré Clarence

Elré Clarence is a 39-year-old who has had diabetes for 38-and-a-half years, after being diagnosed with diabetes at 6 months old!

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“I will say it over and over again. Diabetes does not define you. You are a strong woman and you just happen to have diabetes.

Surround yourself with a tribe of women who care for you and one another.

Make time for yourself – always. And if all else fails, have a cup of coffee.”

Nokulunga Gontsana

Nokulunga Gontsana is a 40-year-old woman who has had diabetes since birth.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Diabetes doesn’t go well with being stressed. Eat healthy, exercise: don’t sit around and do nothing – move your body.

You don’t have to necessarily go to the gym, moving your body also works.

Take your meds accordingly if you are already on them. Take them at the same time daily. Stay away from things that raise your sugar levels. Stay hydrated at all times.”

Mary Kassam

Mary Kassam is a 37-year-old American expat living in Sheffield Beach, on the North Coast of KZN. She’s had Type 1 diabetes for over four years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“As I get older and life with Type 1 marches on, I am worried about the future of access to the essential care, medicine, and technology we need to survive and thrive with this condition. In South Africa and around the world, insulin access and affordability continue to be a threat. Most people do not have access to CGMs.

Don’t sit on the sidelines: support diabetes awareness and advocacy work wherever and however you can.

Advocacy for treatment access, affordability, and research for a cure are more important than ever.”

Gugulesizwe Magasela

Gugulesizwe Magasela is 37 years old and was just diagnosed 2 months ago!

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“I want to learn more about it. I know it is not a death sentence.”

Melany Voigt

Melany Voigt is a 52-year-old who has had diabetes for 40 years, after being diagnosed at age 12.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Movement is medicine. Find whatever movement or exercise brings you joy. Be inquisitive and never stop learning and exploring about diabetes and your own body.  And connect with other people living with diabetes. Don’t hold back, share your story with others. There is healing in meeting.

And finally, be kind and gracious to yourself.
Rest does not have to be earned.

No one is perfect, diabetes is not your enemy, learn to embrace it.”

Jeanette Slingana

Jeanette Slingana is 43 years old and has had diabetes since 2006 – 19 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“It’s not easy but you can beat it. Eating healthy, drinking lots of water and avoiding stress helps a lot. Use your treatment as you’re told.”

Mariaan Meyer

Mariaan Meyer is 68 years old and has been living with diabetes for 19 years, since 2006.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“No carbs! Eat vegetables, salads and meat. Test your sugar level regularly. Walk 3 times a week. Drink enough water.”

Lecritia Gladys Roberts

Lecritia Roberts is 32 years old and living in Cape Town. She has been living with diabetes for 27 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Live freely, but know that you are different yet so important. You are not alone even when you feel overwhelmed with so many obstacles that life will throw at you as a diabetic.

You are powerful and being a diabetic is your superpower because not everyone makes it to where you are right now and not everyone has the capabilities that you have.

Always remember that you are not in this alone. You have an army beside you, in front of you and behind you.

Don’t accept no for an answer and ask a million questions till you figure out what’s best for you and your diabetes. Sending love, light and happiness. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too.”

Lurina Fourie

Lurina Fourie is a 41-year-old who has had Type 1 diabetes for 25 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Whether you’re looking for love or already in a relationship, communication about your diabetes is essential. Remember, your partner lives with diabetes too – through you.

While they may never fully grasp the day-to-day realities you face, sharing your experiences helps bridge that gap.

You live with it from the inside; they experience it from the outside. Communication is key!”

Natasha Lynne Maggott

Natasha Maggott is 38 years old and was diagnosed at 27, 11 years ago. Although she says, “probably longer as my ENTIRE family is diabetic.”

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“As South African women, we carry so many responsibilities—family, work, survival. Adding diabetes to that list can feel overwhelming. I get it.

Living with diabetes means I often think about how I can prolong my life, not just for myself, but for the people I love. Yes, managing food intake, medication, and physical health is essential. But for me, what truly keeps me going is my Christian faith. Prayer grounds me. Faith gives me hope. You may follow a different belief, but I truly believe that having something greater to trust in brings strength and peace when the journey feels too heavy.

Am I perfect in managing my diabetes? Not at all. But I’ve stopped striving for perfection—I aim for progress and grace.

To any woman out there living with diabetes: you are not alone. Be kind to yourself. Stay hopeful. And anchor yourself in something that brings you strength — whether it’s faith, family, or your future. Every small step counts toward a longer, more joyful life.

We carry culture, courage, and chronic illness—and still we thrive.”

You can find Natasha on Instagram @tashie_l_d_

Nikita du Preez

Nikita du Preez is 19 years old and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 12 years old.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Stay strong. Being a woman with diabetes makes you a warrior because you go through a lot of struggles, especially with your health, but remember that you are a warrior and God is proud of you. It is not easy, but you got this girl.

A good support system is important and remember there are a lot of diabetic women out there that can support you through everything.

We as diabetic women should support each other no matter what. Remember there will be good and bad days but keep on to the good days when you feel low. The bad days are there to help us understand our bodies better so don’t stress, you will be just fine.”

Nokubonga Mbotho

Nokubonga Mbotho is a 32-year-old who has had diabetes for 11 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Diabetes isn’t easy but it’s not the end of the world. You can live with it and still live your brighter life. We just need to take good care of ourselves as women living with diabetes.”

Teresa Opperman

Teresa Opperman is 66 years old and has been living with diabetes for 57 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Manage your Type 1 diabetes or it might manage you and ruin your life”

Thabisile Gwebu

Thabisile Gwebu is a 35-year-old who has had diabetes for 7 years, after being diagnosed at a routine check-up in April 2018.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“My life was turned upside down as I tried to figure how to live with diabetes. I have since been battling with getting my sugar levels in control and reach perfect levels – it has been hard. Some days I get it right and some, not so right.

I realised that going through this battle alone won’t help and therefore chose to come out to my family and friends. I now have their support and I do not walk this journey alone.

What I have come to learn and would like to share with other women is that every step you take towards being healthy matters, whether it’s 15 minutes of exercise or just allowing yourself to feel all your emotions. I hope to inspire and encourage other women that there are many others walking on this path and facing the same challenges: we are not alone.”

Yolanda Geldenhuys

Yolanda Geldenhuys is 52 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago, in 2023.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“To Every Woman Living with Diabetes: You Are Stronger Than You Know!

Living with diabetes isn’t easy —balancing blood sugar, making mindful choices, and facing daily challenges takes incredible strength. But remember this: You are a warrior. Every finger prick, CGM change, every injection if you need it and every healthy meal you choose, every moment you prioritise your well-being is a victory. 

Diabetes may be part of your life, but it doesn’t define you. You are a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. A force of resilience, courage, and grace. Some days are tough, but you keep going. That’s the power of a woman who refuses to back down. 

You are not alone. A community of strong women stands with you, learning, growing, and thriving despite diabetes. Celebrate every small win, forgive the setbacks, and keep shining. Your journey inspires others more than you know. 

Today and every day, remember: You are capable. You are worthy. And you are unstoppable. Keep fighting, keep believing, and keep embracing the beautiful, vibrant life you deserve.”

Alicia Amahle Marinus

Alicia Amahle Marinus is a 29-year-old living with diabetes since 2023.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Accepting the diagnosis is an emotionally challenging process. Take small steps.

This condition is manageable. The journey you are on is unique only to you, so be kind to yourself.

Celebrate your small victories and do not get discouraged by the setbacks.”

Yolandi van Wyk

Yolandi van Wyk is a 37-year-old mom of three and a business owner, who has been living with diabetes for 3 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Living with diabetes is not just a physical journey — it’s a mental and emotional one too. As women, we’re often juggling so many roles: work, family, relationships, and the never-ending To Do Lists. Adding diabetes into that mix can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It’s a full-time job on top of everything else.

That’s why my advice is to care for yourself holistically.

Managing blood sugar is just one part of the equation. Don’t neglect your mental health. Talk about your struggles. Ask for help. Take time to rest, to breathe, and to feel. You are not weak for needing a break — you are human.

Lean into support systems—friends, family, or other women who understand this journey. Give yourself grace on the hard days and celebrate the wins, no matter how small.
You are strong, but you don’t have to be strong alone.”

Holly Rey

Holly Rey is a 28-year-old multi-award-winning musician who has been living with diabetes since 11. She was first misdiagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes, and then later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Remember to be kind to yourself; there is a big difference between being depleted and being defeated. 

You will never be defeated if you have boundaries, allow yourself time to rest, and take care of your physical and mental wellbeing; however, if you allow yourself to become completely depleted, then you are at risk of being defeated. “

Kim Ipotseng Moumakoe

Kim Ipotseng Moumakoe is a 49-year-old who was diagnosed with diabetes 16 years ago, in 2009.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“The advice I can offer other women with diabetes is that diabetes is manageable, unfortunately it requires a lot of lifestyle changes – you have to watch what you eat and exercise regularly and take your meds as required. You can spoil yourself once in a while. The most important thing to do is to accept that you’re diabetic, accept that you now have an ‘unwanted visitor’ that is going nowhere.

Google, ask questions, join Facebook groups, do as much as you can to learn about diabetes, this will help you a lot in understanding what you’re dealing with, you also need to understand how your body reacts to unstable sugar levels.

It’s a huge challenge but as soon as you know and understand your ‘unwanted visitor’ you’ll be able to deal with almost anything they throw at you. As much as diabetes is manageable it’s also a ticking time bomb, you also have to be prepared that things can go wrong anytime, even when you’re doing everything right. Unfortunately you have to do the best you can to get the levels to where they’re supposed to be.

Living with diabetes should not stop you from living your best life, take care of yourself and all will be well. You only have one body take care of it.”

Lu Morton

Lu Morton is 63 years old and has been living with diabetes for 58 years!

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“Do not take diabetes as a burden. It’s easy to manage. Enjoy life”

Retha Carter

Retha Carter is a 57 years old and has been living with diabetes for 14 years, since June 2011.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“My diabetes journey continues to be a daily challenge. How my body responds to food literally changes from one day to the next.  It can be exhausting, depressing, confusing and completely illogical!  And all you can do is stick to the basics – keep measuring, recording and adjusting your insulin dosage. 

In the last year I finally moved to the Libre 2 CGM – and while it has not necessarily dramatically lowered my HbA1c, it now gives me the ability to check my glucose levels as often as I want, simply using my phone.  I initially thought I would use it for a while and then revert to the normal finger prick method – no ways!  I love knowing what is happening with my blood glucose, at any time.  And I do find that I respond to highs and low much quicker than before.  I also continue to appreciate exercise.  I recently broke my clavicle (tripping while running in the dark) and could not exercise for a while.  I have to adjust my insulin, be even more careful what I eat and still my levels are abnormal.  Just adding in a slow walk, immediately makes a difference to my levels.

I still tackle every day with new determination to manage my levels better ‘today’. 

Diabetes means never being to put anything in your mouth without thinking what it will do to your blood glucose. I sometimes envy those who can eat that donut or pizza without a worry in the world, while I need to inject, check and possibly inject again later if I got it wrong.  But as someone with Type 1 diabetes, I can still enjoy those treats!  I am a healthy and fighting fit Type 1″

Kirsten de Klerk

Kirsten de Klerk is a 31-year-old from Cape Town in the Western Cape, who has been living with Type 1 diabetes for the last 15 years.

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“You don’t have to go at this alone. Reach out to the diabetes community online, I promise that they are some of the most kind, genuine people you will ever meet – and the best part is that they actually understand what it’s like to live with diabetes.”

Bridget McNulty

Bridget McNulty is 43 years old and has been living with diabetes for 18 years, co-founding Sweet Life 2 years after that!

Her advice to other women with diabetes:

“It can often seem like other women with diabetes have it all together, but nobody – man or woman – has diabetes all together all the time! The kinder you can be with yourself, the easier diabetes is to live with.”

Do you know any other SA women with diabetes?

If you know anyone who should be on this list, please tell us! We want to tell the stories of all kinds of women with diabetes in South Africa.