Diabetes is on the rise in South Africa and the continent at large. Let’s learn more

Our continent is in the grips of a sugar epidemic. Over 20 million people were living with diabetes in Africa in 2021, predicted to increase by 129% to 55 million by 2045.

Quick Read:

Many people in Africa don’t even realise they have diabetes, due to not being diagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes was once considered “rare” in sub-Saharan Africa. It’s now a leading cause of illness and death.
The high cost of medications means that many people struggle to manage their blood glucose levels.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 is believed to start early in childhood and is the result of an autoimmune reaction. Common symptoms include constant thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue, irritability and adverse mood swings, and ketones in urine. Ketones are created when muscle and fat break down as there’s not enough insulin in the body. Blurry vision and constant illnesses are also common.

Experts often refer to Type 2 diabetes as a lifestyle disease. This diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance, meaning that your body still produces insulin, but the body cannot use it efficiently. Alternatively, the body doesn’t make enough of this hormone. People who are overweight, eat poorly and don’t get enough exercise are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is where the lifestyle aspect matters. Getting fit and healthy can significantly lower your risk. The symptoms are similar to Type 1 and may also include frequent yeast infections and constantly feeling hungry or thirsty.

Sugar is in (almost) everything we eat and drink

Cane sugar comes from a plant and is a carbohydrate. From sugar we get sucrose (the table sugar we use every day).

Sucrose is also a natural ingredient in fruit and vegetables. When you take in a mouthful of sucrose, your body breaks it down into its separate units: glucose and fructose. Glucose is used as energy, and fructose as excess energy.

And now we have people who are addicted to sugar, because it’s in almost everything we eat or drink, even so-called “healthy” food.

Fructose comes naturally from honey, fruit and vegetables, but recently, food scientists and manufacturers add it to an assortment of food items. And each day, more and more people are consuming these foods, even children, and the number of diabetics across the continent continues to rise.

Parents who are unhealthy and obese often pass the risk on to their children. These children tend to grow up in an unhealthy environment where they consume too much sugar, often leading to childhood diabetes.

Diabetes is rising rapidly across Africa

According to Diabetes Atlas, today, at least one in 20 African adults are living with diabetes. But the real crisis is what’s coming: that figure is projected to rise by 142% to nearly 60 million by 2050, the highest percentage increase of any region in the world.

What makes this even more alarming is how invisible the disease remains. Nearly three in four Africans with diabetes (73%) are currently undiagnosed, the highest proportion of any region globally. Millions of people are living with dangerously high blood sugar levels and have no idea.

8 early warning signs of diabetes

If you’re peeing more than usual, especially at night, it could be because your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood through urine.
Constantly feeling thirsty, even if you’re drinking lots of water, is another sign that could hint at diabetes.
You feel hungry constantly, even after eating.
If you’re losing weight without trying, it might be because your body can’t get enough energy from the food you eat, so it starts burning fat instead.
Constantly tired? It may be that high blood sugar levels are wearing you out.
Diabetes can trigger changes in the fluid in your eyes, making it harder to see clearly.
Another telltale sign is when cuts, sores or infections take longer to heal. This could be due to diabetes affecting your body’s ability to repair itself.
Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet can happen if high blood sugar damages the nerves, causing sensations like tingling or even pain.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor or clinic to check for diabetes. The sooner you treat the problem, the better your quality of life.

Practical ways to lower your risk of diabetes

Try not to add extra sugar or sweeteners to your tea or coffee.
Stop drinking soft drinks or juices and try to stick to this rule with your children, too.
Keep chips and biscuits to a minimum, they’re okay as the occasional snack, but do your best to cut back.
Read food labels and look out for hidden sugars. Search for names like maize syrup, glucose syrup, fructose syrup, fruit fructose, and crystalline fructose.
Herbs and spices like cinnamon, fenugreek, and turmeric could help control your blood sugar levels.
Set a good example for your children! Show them that it’s healthy to exercise regularly and be mindful about what you eat.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure to take your diabetes medication or insulin exactly as directed by your doctor or the clinic.

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