South Africans with Diabetes

S2E08 What is the root cause of diabetes?

Let's get deep... Settle in for a fascinating conversation about diabetes. We end the second season with a fascinating discussion - Dr. Sundeep Ruder, endocrinologist and philosopher, speaks to us about taking a broader view of diabetes. What could the condition possibly be offering us in terms of life lessons,…

21 Jun 2022 28 min

S2E07 Are eating disorders common in people with diabetes?

Let's take a deep breath and talk about it - this is a hard one. We know that depression and anxiety are far more prevalent in people with diabetes, but does this extend to eating disorders too? We speak to intuitive eating counsellor Gayle Landau about her experiences with diabetes…

14 Jun 2022 37 min

S2E06 Do people with diabetes need to worry about heart health?

Here's everything you need to know about heart health and diabetes. There are a number of long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes, among them heart disease. But is cardiovascular (heart) health something that everyone with diabetes needs to be aware of? We ask Dr. Zane Stevens to discuss diabetes and cardiovascular…

7 Jun 2022 18 min

S2E05 Is diabetes stigma a thing?

Let's have an awkward conversation about diabetes stigma... It's so real. Type 2 diabetes carries a stigma in South Africa - particularly because it has been portrayed as a ‘lifestyle disease’. What is it like to be diagnosed with a condition that some people believe you gave yourself by eating…

31 May 2022 21 min

S2E04 What is the future cost if diabetes is ignored?

We need to look at what the future looks like if we don't do anything. With 85% of South Africans accessing healthcare in the public sector, half of all people with diabetes undiagnosed and 2 in 3 South Africans on track to develop diabetes (in the prediabetes range), we should…

24 May 2022 23 min

S2E03 Does insulin timing really make a difference?

Ultra-rapid acting insulin is coming to South Africa! Hallelujah. Many South Africans with Type 1 diabetes were told to inject as they sat down to eat. Once they saw the blood sugar spikes on CGM / flash glucose devices, the advice changed to injecting 15-30 minutes before you eat. But…

17 May 2022 24 min

S2E02 Why does the language of diabetes matter?

Let's dive in: do we need to be sensitive about diabetes and language? There’s a growing movement toward changing the language of diabetes so that it can be more empowering for people living with diabetes. It’s time to move away from calling diabetes a disease, people with diabetes patients and…

17 May 2022 33 min

S2E01 What is diabetes burnout?

Let's talk about diabetes and mental health - we all need to! It’s a reality for many people living with diabetes, but what exactly is diabetes burnout, and how can you move through it? Just as importantly, how can you support someone you love who is feeling burnt out… What…

17 May 2022 32 min

 trailer  

Welcome to Season 2 of South Africans with Diabetes

Do you have questions about living with diabetes in South Africa? You’re in very good company! Turns out, we all do. Welcome to South Africans with Diabetes. I’m Bridget McNulty, and in this podcast we’re going to be answering your questions to help you live a healthy, happy life with…

30 Apr 2022 1 min

S1E10 How do I lose - or gain - weight with diabetes?

Looking for advice on managing weight with diabetes? We’ve got it all - practical tips on how to lose, or gain, weight from SA’s top experts. Two of the most common questions we get on our Diabetic South Africans community are about weight - how do I lose weight in…

6 May 2021 12 min

S1E09 What’s the best exercise for diabetics?

We all know we should be more active… But how do you exercise with diabetes? That’s what we’re unpacking today. No matter what your excuse for not exercising regularly, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for 20 minute exercise, how to exercise at work, ways to have fun with…

29 Apr 2021 12 min

S1E08 What should I eat now that I’m diabetic?

It’s the one question everyone living with diabetes has: what can I eat now? We outline the 4 golden rules for a healthy diabetes diet. There are so many suggestions for the best ever diabetic diet. We don’t have any more to add to that list! What we have are…

22 Apr 2021 11 min

S1E07 What are the best diabetes medication tips?

Two super-helpful tips for people with Type 2 diabetes, and two super-helpful tips for people with Type 1. These are game changers! We know that a podcast about diabetes medication might not sound too exciting, but this one is! Because we’ve asked SA’s top diabetes experts what they wish people…

15 Apr 2021 11 min

S1E06 Is diabetes and depression common?

The short answer: yes! We unpack why diabetes and depression is so common, and what to do about it. Whether you’re feeling symptoms of diabetes distress or diabetes burnout, or you suspect you might be struggling with depression, we’re here for you. Here are the symptoms to look out for,…

8 Apr 2021 13 min

S1E05 I’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes… Now what?

If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably feeling realllly overwhelmed right now. We know, we’ve been there! Here’s only the most important information you need. Being diagnosed with diabetes is probably one of the most overwhelming experiences in life. All of a sudden there are so many rules!…

1 Apr 2021 14 min

S1E04 What is normal blood sugar?

How to find the magic range for normal blood sugar - not too low, not too high. What is normal blood sugar, and how do I get it? That’s the question we get asked all the time on Sweet Life. In this episode, we unpack what magic range we should…

25 Mar 2021 9 min

S1E03 What do I need to know about COVID-19 and diabetes?

All the latest, expert information about COVID-19 and diabetes in South Africa. Nothing else. If you’re feeling COVID fatigue, you’re not alone. But if you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to be informed when it comes to COVID-19 and diabetes: from how it affects diabetics to how to reduce your…

25 Mar 2021 13 min

S1E02 How do I reverse Type 2 diabetes?

There is actually a recipe for reversing Type 2 diabetes. Here it is. A few years ago, the idea of reversing Type 2 diabetes was crazy - now, it’s achievable, if you follow this simple recipe. Simple doesn’t mean easy, though. We break down the essentials of how to reverse…

25 Mar 2021 12 min

S1E01 How do I manage my diabetes?

Probably the most important question you’ll ask about living with diabetes. Here’s a simple answer. We know that managing diabetes can feel totally overwhelming. That’s why we asked SA’s top experts to make it simple for us. And they did! All you need to know is TEEL. Take your medication…

25 Mar 2021 14 min

 bonus  

Welcome to Season 1 brought to you by Abbott FreeStyle Libre.

Do you have questions about living with diabetes in South Africa? Join the club! Bridget McNulty will be answering your questions to help you live a healthy, happy life with diabetes. This podcast is brought to you by Abbott FreeStyle Libre.

1 Mar 2021 1 min