The quiet struggle of children living with diabetes

BIRTHDAY parties, Halloween festivities, playdates, and rugby games are often the cherished hallmarks of childhood, brimming with laughter and adventure.

- STAFF REPORTER

Yet for many South African children living with diabetes, these joyful moments are accompanied by the weight of responsibility, requiring meticulous monitoring and management that their peers may never understand.

"Childhood should be about carefree fun and discovery, not constant health monitoring," says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health, a digital health platform dedicated to empowering South Africans through early screening and accessible healthcare solutions.

"Yet for thousands of children grappling with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, daily routines are dictated by blood sugar checks, meal planning, and the emotional burden of feeling 'different'."

Diabetes, often perceived as a chronic condition affecting adults, is increasingly making its mark on younger populations. Data reveals a stark increase in diabetes rates in South Africa, surging from approximately 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% by 2019 among adults, as reported by BioMed Central.

ALARMING RISE