Issue 20
Summer 2016
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
20TH
A N N IV ERSA RY IS SU E!
COLLECTOR’S EDITION All our inspiring diabetic stories.
Celebrating
National Diabetes Month (and 5 years of Sweet Life!) www.sweetlifemag.co.za
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Happy National Diabetes Month!
I love November because it’s the one month a year that the whole country wants to talk about diabetes - one of my favourite things to talk about... But this month is particularly exciting for us. That’s because it marks five years of Sweet Life magazine - and our 20th issue! Back when we started Sweet Life in 2011, we never would have imagined we could reach so many diabetics in South Africa, or make a difference in so many lives... It’s all thanks to you, our readers, that we’ve been able to do that: thank you for being part of our community.
Welcome
To celebrate our 20th issue, we’re looking back at all the inspiring stories we’ve featured over the years. It’s been such a treat for me to revisit our cover stars and catch up with them, and to see where their lives have taken them over the years. The result is a collector’s issue full of inspiration - for those days when it feels like diabetes is a difficult burden to bear.
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Of course, Christmas and the holidays are also just around the corner, and with them comes all kinds of temptation, along with the celebrations. Everything in moderation is our motto! From all of us at Sweet Life, we’d like to wish you a happy, healthy festive season and a wonderful new year. See you in 2017 for our 21st! Chat soon,
EDITOR Bridget McNulty
ART DIRECTOR Mark Peddle
PUBLISHER Claire Barnardo
ADVERTISING SALES TFWcc: Tessa Fenton-Wells
CONTRIBUTORS Abdullah Khan, Alliyah Geldenhuys, Annora Mostert, Buyelwa Majikela Dlangamandla, Celeste Smith, Howza Mosese, Ishay Govender, Neville Pillay, Rachel Lombard, Richard English, Roxane and Derick de Villiers, Shiara Pillay, Tracey Naledi, Vanessa Marx, Veronica Vember, Vickie de Beer. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Box 52301, Kenilworth 7745. Tel: 021 761 2840. Fax: 021 761 0442. Cell: 082 320 0014. Email: tessa@tfwcc.net
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PO Box 12651, Mill St, 8010. Email: info@sweetlifemag.co.za
COPYRIGHT Published by The Editors Publishing House CC. Copyright The Editors Publishing House CC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor.
Bridget McNulty, Editor
PS: Want to make sure you get your free copy of Sweet Life? Check out page 5 for details. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Sweet Life. Always consult a specialist before making any changes to your diet or medicine.
Diabetic South Africans sweet_life_mag
SWEET LIFE AVAILABLE AT ANY DIS-CHEM!
Sweet Life is available at all Dis-Chem stores nationwide! Pick up your FREE copy of Sweet Life from any Dis-Chem clinic in South Africa, or from your local support group or pharmacy. Find your nearest Dis-Chem store:
www.sweetlifemag.co.za/dischem
Local pharmacies and clinics: Want to get Sweet Life in your area? Let us know where your local clinic or pharmacy is, and how to get hold of them, and we’ll send them free copies of Sweet Life. Email us on hello@sweetlifemag.co.za You can also read Sweet Life online at: www.sweetlifemag.co.za/magazine
Meet some of our experts:
Community
Free copies!
Sweet Life has a fantastic Panel of Experts who are all leaders in the field of diabetes. They give us advice on everything we publish so that you can be sure you’re only getting the very best information to help you live a happy, healthy life with diabetes. Here are a few of our experts: Find them all at www.sweetlifemag.co.za/about-us
ENDOCRINOLOGISTS:
Dr. Zaheer Bayat
Dr. Joel Dave
DIABETES EDUCATORS
Jeannie Berg
Kate Bristow
DIETICIANS:
Ajita Ratanjee
Cheryl Meyer
PODIATRISTS
Andy Blecher
Anette Thompson
05
I choose to live! Musician, actor, changing diabetes ambassador and Type 1 diabetic – we find out how Howza fits it all in…
Issue 01
ES Et, wit h dia bEt LifE can bE SwE
Summer 2011
A fresh
look at diabetes
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Pg.4
icious recipes, Expert advice, delall you need to and interesting facts life with diabetes. et swe a know to live
g.co.za www.sweetlifema
PM 2011/10/24 2:18 1 NOV_Cover.indd
“At the end of the day, the bottom line is that you have to be responsible for your own life.”
What was your diagnosis like? You know, all the symptoms kicked in – loss of weight in a very short space of time, dehydration, and constantly going to the toilet. I didn’t understand what was going on. When you lose weight like that you instantly associate it with HIV/ AIDS, because there’s so much awareness of that. So obviously I panicked… But I did the responsible thing and went to the doctor, even though I was scared – that’s when I found out I was diabetic. I wasn’t exactly relieved, the doctors put the fear of God in me by telling me all the things that could happen to me. And there are a lot of diabetes complications that could one day be a problem. It was hard to come to terms with…. But I was scared, and I was willing to turn my life around for the sake of living longer. What’s the biggest challenge of living with diabetes? Obviously diet and exercising. I was saying to my wife the other day, as much as I enjoy going to gym, it’s never easy. You need to find a way to motivate yourself to go to gym 3 or 4 times a week – self-motivation is important to live a healthy life. Nobody likes gym, in all honesty! But at the end of the day, when you put your mind to it, you’ll end up enjoying it.
I used to live a very unhealthy lifestyle – eating fast food and drinking every day. That had to change. I’m not saying be a health nut, but you need to find a way to do things moderately. If you’re going to drink, you need to drink responsibly and be aware of your sugar levels at all times. I decided, instead, to stop drinking. But it was difficult for my friends to understand – you’re not drinking, so all of a sudden you’ve become a priest! It wasn’t easy, trust me, that was the most difficult part, especially as a youth. But at the end of the day I became selfish and told myself, “It’s not about them, it’s about me.” If I don’t take care of myself, they’ll still be cool – I won’t.
Inspiring
How long have you been diabetic? Since 2003 – 13 years ago now. I was 21 at the time. I was actually introduced to diabetes from a very young age because my father had Type 2 diabetes, but I was very ignorant – I didn’t know what it was until I got it. But I think the younger you are, the easier it is to adapt your life.
What advice would you offer to other diabetics? I always say to people – look, I’m living with it, it’s not the end of the world. As cliché as that might sound, that’s the actual truth. I’m living a healthy, normal life with diabetes. Like I said, I don’t want to put myself on a pedestal and act likeI’m perfect. I have my challenges. So when I speak to the youth I try to be as open and truthful as I can, so that they can relate. At the end of the day, the bottom line is that you have to be responsible for your own life. What makes your life sweet? My daughter, Tumelo.
Get in touch with Howza: @howza_SA on Twitter
07
Food, Fabulous Food We chat to Ishay Govender, acclaimed foodie writer, about her love of cooking and how to make Indian food just as tasty – but a little healthier. Life cAn be swee t, with diAb etes
Issue 02
Autumn 2012
Simplify
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Pg.5
life with diabetes
Small changes Our expert advice,can make a big difference. facts let you live tasty recipes and helpful a sweet life with diabetes. www.sweetlifemag .co.za
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You have a family history of diabetes – have you been tested yourself? I get my blood sugar and cholesterol tested once a year – every year. Because I’m aware that Type 2 diabetes is often a hereditary condition, I’m very conscious of my health and how food contributes to my wellbeing. In traditional homes there’s an emphasis on food and family as a way of expressing love, and I know I’ve inherited that from my mother and grandmother – sharing food with people is my way of expressing that love. Have you made any changes to your diet because you know Type 2 diabetes runs in the family? I’ve learnt to alter things slightly so that they’re
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
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What advice would you offer to people who are struggling to eat a healthy diet? I think the most important thing is to accept and make peace with the fact that you have diabetes – it doesn’t make sense to fight it. Also, food should never be about restriction, it’s about enjoyment. Change the spotlight from focusing on what you can’t have to what you can enjoy. It’s a great time to explore flavours, textures and a sense of fun in the kitchen. Have you learnt any ‘tricks’ to make traditional Indian food a little healthier? A few! Here are the main ones: • Cook with less oil – it is possible, especially if you use olive oil cooking spray. • Don’t eat double starch (i.e. rice and potato curry, or curry and roti) • Cook vegetables for a shorter period of time so that they keep some of their goodness – things like okra and butternut don’t have to be cooked to mush. • Rethink vegetables – they don’t only have to be pickled or curried, they can be fresh with interesting dressings. I try to include half a salad in a meal, with a yoghurt dressing (plain low fat yoghurt with toasted cumin seeds, mint and lemon zest – delicious!)
• I only use baby potatoes with their skins on – they’re low GI and the skin has fibre. • Brown rice is so much healthier than white rice – it’s full of fibre and has a lovely nutty flavour. You also need less rice because it fills you up more. • Spices and herbs are a diabetic’s best friends! They add such flavour and zest, and you can experiment with different combinations to make a dish more interesting. What makes your life sweet? The pleasure of enjoying food and food travel with my husband. Cotton pyjamas and fresh linen. The knowledge that even someone with a ‘soft’ voice like mine, can make a difference using it.
Inspiring
healthier but still have lots of flavour. When we first found out that my mom was diabetic I did a lot of research, and made sure she went to a dietician and found out specifics of how to change her cooking style. That said, we grew up in a very healthy household so the changes weren’t too difficult.
“Looking at my mum’s journey, I’ve realised that having diabetes and being human means there are sometimes little slips along the way. But there are plenty more ways to indulge without guilt or harm, and building habits and consistency are key to managing the condition without feeling cheated or hopeless. It calls for creativity and patience – and my mum has both!” Get in touch with Ishay: @IshayGovender on Twitter / Instagram / Vine
09
Baby on Board
Inspiring
“Since we last spoke, I’ve learnt that if there is diabetes in your family, it can catch up to you later in life – even if you are living a healthy lifestyle. I like to remember Ralph Marston’s quote: ‘What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.’”
10
Is there a reason you’re so happy to share this very personal story? I want to educate, encourage and motivate women with gestational diabetes, and prevent other women from having to go through what I and many others had to endure. How did you find out you had gestational diabetes? My first pregnancy was stillborn: Noah was born at 38 weeks. I didn’t know I had gestational diabetes until after Noah was born. We suspected with my family having diabetes that I could get it, but my doctor at the time never picked it up. When I wanted to fall pregnant again, my new doctor Dr Jansen immediately tested for glucose tolerance before I fell pregnant, and then again after I fell pregnant. That’s how we found out I had gestational diabetes again. What were your symptoms? What’s tricky about gestational
Life can be sWee t, With diab etes
Issue 03
Winter 2012
Family
life and diabetes
Great family reci pes, expert advice, inte articles and all the resting facts you need to live a life with diabetes happy .
Free! Sign up now.
Pg.5
www.sweetlifema g.co.za SLM03_Cover.indd
1 2012/04/23 10:40 AM
diabetes is that it goes from nothing to full-blown diabetes very quickly. It’s only when you’re pregnant, so there’s no warning beforehand. The symptoms I had were swollen hands and feet, bad circulation, pins and needles in the hands, and constant thirst – I was drinking a lot of water. Does diabetes run in the family? Yes – my late mother had Type 2 diabetes, and three of my sisters and my brother have diabetes (half of my eight siblings, in fact!) None of my family recognised my symptoms, but none of us were looking for them: you put your faith in the doctor, that’s what doctors are there for.
What did you do to manage your gestational diabetes? During my pregnancy with the twins, I was put on Metformin and later insulin. I also had to have monthly HbA1c tests and test my blood sugar seven times a day: when I woke up, before each meal, after each meal and before I went to bed. My fingers had so many holes in them; I didn’t know where to prick myself! I went to a dietician, which was helpful, we discussed good eating habits and made a lot of changes – we started eating more steamed foods and not so much starch (like potatoes, bread and pasta). And I started exercising. My diabetes doctor, Dr Dave, told me I had to exercise every day, even when I was tired after working all day. What advice would you offer to women with gestational diabetes? Listen to your doctors, stick to your eating plan and exercise a little bit every day. Stay focused: this is for the health of your babies. It helps that you just have to stay focused for nine months, and then the reward at the end is breathtaking. My boys were big for twins (2.8kg/each at 35 weeks) and healthy. I’ll never forget how relieved I was to hear both babies crying in the delivery room. They were both crying at the same time, and the doctor said: “Wow, they sound like a choir!” What makes your life sweet? I could say sunsets and sunrises, I could say my religion or even cupcakes and chocolates. But my husband and three boys are the light of my life, and sharing everything with them makes my life so sweet. 11
Richard English has Type 1 diabetes – but that hasn’t stopped him from embarking on all kinds of adventures, including a seven day, 1000km cycle across England and Scotland. We ask him for his secrets to a healthy life with diabetes.
When did you find out you were diabetic? Eight years ago, when I was 25. I had been feeling incredibly under the weather and stressed, but I blamed work and too much partying – I just thought I was run down. Then I started getting all the symptoms: extreme thirst, dramatic weight loss, drinking 2 litres of water a night and needing to pee every hour. How has diabetes changed your daily life? Obviously I have to inject insulin before I eat anything, and I test my blood sugar more or less before every meal. Exercise is also more of a need than a want – I always used to exercise, but now I can see the effect on my blood sugar results, immediately. That’s very motivating. I went cold turkey on a lot of things when I was diagnosed, and I haven’t kept any bad habits. I’m 20kg
Life can be Sweet , with diabeteS
Issue 04
Spring 2012
Get active!
Diabete on the moves Special repo delicious Spring rt on the low carb diet, recipes, and everything youexpert advice, healthy, active life need to live a with diabetes.
Inspiring
Riding into Wellness
Free!
Get your copy.
Pg.4 www.sweetlifemag. co.za SLM04_Cover.indd
1 2012/07/26 9:51 AM
lighter than I used to be, and I don’t over-indulge any more. I suppose, in my case, diabetes could be seen as a positive thing. I wasn’t living a healthy life before I was diagnosed, and I have a better quality of life now. I don’t think I could have adapted so well to life with diabetes if it weren’t for my wife, Casey. She never left my side, and all the dietary changes I adopted she did too. She also helped a lot in the early stages, when there was just too much information for me to absorb. She got behind the science of it and now knows more about low GI and its effect on blood sugar than I do! Have you always been a cyclist? I got my first bike when I was 5 years old, and I’ve almost always 07 13
had a bike. Cycling is a big part of my life, and I really love it. I stopped exercising for about 6 months after my diagnosis, because I was uncertain about what it would do to my blood sugar, and every so often I have to cut a ride short because I’m going low. But most of the time diabetes doesn’t get in the way of my cycling at all. Can you tell us about the Ubunye Challenge? The Ubunye Challenge is a triathlon event organised by an old Rhodes friend of mine, Cameron Bellamy, in 2012. He decided to raise funds for the Angus Gillis Foundation by doing an extreme cycle, swim and rowing challenge. I joined him for the cycle – I rode for seven consecutive days and 1000km through howling gales, rain, sleet
Inspiring
Get in touch with Richard: molorich@gmail.com
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and snow. It was in April, which was supposed to be spring, but it was shockingly cold. By the third day, we outran the weather and I saw my shadow for the first time. That was a good moment! 1000km seems like an unbelievable distance, but if you do it in 120km chunks it’s not that bad. What advice would you offer to other diabetics? To me, the most important thing is that you have to stay positive and optimistic, because diabetes is not going to go away. As soon as you can smile at it and look it in the eye, you’re on your way to living a happy life with diabetes. The sooner you can get positive about it, the better. What makes your life sweet? My wife Casey, my wonderful son Robbie, weekends with friends, good food, my bike, and exploring my new home city of London.
“Since moving to London in late 2012, I’ve started cycling to work (a 35km round trip) but no longer have time in my day to go to the gym. I also have a one-year old son so I’ve adjusted to a lot less sleep! Exercise and sleep tend to affect my insulin sensitivity so I’ve had to adjust my insulin doses accordingly.”
A Happy Life with Diabetes If you met Shiara Pillay, a happy, healthy and confident 21-year-old who loves Art and is studying International Relations and Diplomacy, you wouldn’t guess that she had a chronic condition. But Shiara is a Type 1 diabetic. She just doesn’t let it get her down.
Life can be Sweet , with diabet eS
Issue 05
Summer 2012
Celebrate
Diabetes Month Your quarterly dose
of:
• Delicious health y • Useful diabetic recipes info • Expert advice
Free!
Take one now Living with an
insulin pump
Festive eating
Outdoor
family fun SLM05_Cover.indd
(tips)
www.sweetlifem ag.co.za
1 2012/10/11 4:11 PM
When did you find out you were diabetic? When I was in Grade 4 and just about to turn 10. It wasn’t too horrible a diagnosis in comparison to some – my parents noticed that I was losing an extreme amount of weight, I was very dehydrated and waking up in the night to pee – all the classic symptoms.
really helped me to meet other people who have to think about the same things every day. I also think diabetes education is so important – new diabetics especially need to know what helps and what doesn’t, what you can eat, how you should exercise, how you feel when you’re low or high.
Then one morning I threw up and they took me to the doctor. I was in hospital for a week and since then I’ve figured out how to live as normal a life as possible with diabetes. The hardest thing to get used to was not being able to eat sweets!
It’s nice for me to share my experiences too. I do have bad days, it’s annoying to have to inject every day, but it’s just something you have to make the best of.
How has diabetes changed your daily life? I think I’m obviously way more healthy than I would have been because I have to watch what I eat. I have a great diabetes team, and they’ve helped me to adjust my medication and my meals whenever I need to. I like the idea of being able to eat everything in moderation. How does it help to have a community of fellow diabetics? It helps to know that there are others in the same situation, it reminds you that you’re not alone. Youth With Diabetes 16
What advice would you offer to other diabetics? Just do it – you can’t get out of it. If you look after yourself, it’ll be better for you in the long run, it’s for your benefit. And it makes you healthier too! What makes your life sweet? Just being happy – when things are going well and the sun is shining!
Get in touch with Shiara: shiaraismyname@gmail.com or join the YWD Facebook page: www.facebook. com/YouthWithDiabetes
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“In the last few years I’ve got to know a bit more of the huge diabetes community in South Africa. I was trained as a diabetic youth leader at a Youth With Diabetes (YWD) conference and have kept in contact with many of them and countless others through the YWD Facebook group. We’re all able to learn from and support one another.”
• Nationwide coverage
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Issue 07
Winter 2013 tes t, With diabe Life can be sWee
pot One nders! wo
Making Diabetes Diabetes Delicious ls yummy winter mea
dealing with the challenges of
(every day).
Fun family games
How to: immune system. boost your
Free! Take one now
.co.za www.sweetlifemag
It might seem as though being a restaurant chef would be too tempting a job for a Type 1 diabetic, but 30-year-old Vanessa Marx has made an art out of making healthy food delicious – and accessible. When did you find out you were diabetic? I was about sixteen and in high school – seriously bad timing! I had all the usual symptoms. I was drinking about four litres of water a day and falling asleep during class because I was so exhausted. My mom eventually suspected diabetes and I had to be hospitalised. It was a traumatic
experience. I’ve always loved food, and I remember lying in my hospital bed naming all the foods I could never eat again… It was a long list! How has diabetes changed your daily life? That’s a hard question, because it’s so much a part of my daily life. It can be
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
18
difficult, sometimes, explaining to people who don’t have diabetes how you’re feeling. If I wake up with low blood sugar, for example, I’m exhausted before the day begins. People understand a throat infection, but they often don’t understand what waking up low feels like. As a head chef, I need to be alert every day, taking charge of the kitchen. There’s no room in a busy kitchen for feeling tired or unwell because of high blood sugar or needing time out to have something sweet because of low blood sugar.
like you’re on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help – talk about your diabetes, and explain to those around you what it feels like. There’s still a stigma around diabetes, that it’s only people with weight problems who are diabetic. But the only way we’re going to change that is by talking about it.
Inspiring
“As far as diabetes goes, I am now on the pump! It took a lot of convincing: I was always worried about what other people would think and about a pump being attached to me and always ‘reminding’ me that I am ‘sick’. Then I realised that whether the pump is there or not, the diabetes always will be. And the fact that it reminds me I have diabetes, well, that’s a good thing! It has created a routine for me, and I’ve had the most amazing results. I’ve become far more aware of how my daily life (and dietary) choices affect my diabetes.”
What makes your life sweet? My family and friends, and my work.
Isn’t it difficult to be around food all day? How do you resist sweet treats? It is quite tricky! Often just the act of making sweet treats for someone else satisfies the urge for me but other times I’m pretty tempted: what puts me off is that I know how I’ll feel later. I do believe in “everything in moderation”, so I allow myself a treat now and then. As long as it’s a once-off, and I’m not doing it every five minutes! What advice would you offer to other diabetics? Be disciplined! Pay attention to your diet: what you eat plays a huge role in how you feel. Also don’t feel
Get in touch with Vanessa: @vanessajaynem on Twitter and Instagram
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treatment. The program will also assist with practical advice and guidance on insulin management and lifestyle interventions. How does the program work? Patients who are being treated on a Sanofi Insulin will be referred by their treating physician to a diabetes nurse for a face to face education session. This session will be scheduled at the convenience of the patient. Subsequent to the face-toface visit the patient will be phoned by an expert diabetes nurse educator on regular intervals. This nurse will assist the patient with the management of their insulin dose and will also provide further education and guidance on any diabetes-related topics as required by the individual patient. Will my doctor get any feedback on my progress? The MyStarCare® program focuses on a collaborative approach between the patient, the diabetes nurse and the treating physician. The treating physician understands and acknowledges the importance of the collaboration by referring the patient to be included in this program, hence regular feedback is very
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important. The doctor will receive a comprehensive report on education topics addressed during the session, insulin treatment dose, compliance to taking treatment and progress made with regards to blood glucose levels. How can I participate in this program? Patients who are being treated on a Sanofi insulin can discuss inclusion in this program with their doctors. A consent form will have to be signed by the doctor and the patient prior to referral. Once the consent form has been signed an appointment will be scheduled by the diabetes nurse educator.
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References: 1. Siminerio, Linda M., et al. “US Nurses’ Perceptions of Their Role in Diabetes Care Results of the Cross-national Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs (DAWN) Study.” The Diabetes Educator 33.1 (2007): 152-162. 2. Funnell, Martha M., et al. “National standards for diabetes self-management education.” Diabetes care 32.Supplement 1 (2009): S87-S94.
“Having diabetes doesn’t make me different. But having my Dis-Chem Clinic on my side makes all the difference.” Diabetes Type 2 sufferer
When I was diagnosed with diabetes,
I thought my whole life would change for
the worst, and I’d never be ‘normal’ again!
However, thanks to my Dis-Chem
Clinic Sister, I realised that with the
right diet and lifestyle changes, a suitable exercise programme,
regular blood glucose monitoring and medication management, diabetes doesn’t rule my life.
I do. If you suffer from diabetes, talk to your Dis-Chem
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who can (and will) help you
get on with life, you just feel
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Clinic Call Centre 0861 117 427 Customer Careline 0860 347 243 careline@dischem.co.za www.dischem.co.za GO Advertsing 74654
“Remember, having diabetes doesn’t make you any different.”
“You’re not alone with diabetes. Dis-Chem supports you all the way.” Dis-Chem’s commitment to specific diabetes care goes beyond vitamins, supplements, monitoring aids, prescribed medication and specialised foodstuffs at our legendary low prices. In every Dis-Chem countrywide, our clinics are run by nursing practitioners with specialised diabetes training. Professional, qualified people who care, who’ll assist you with every aspect of diabetes and help make living with it easier. Including: 1. Lifestyle guidance and advice 2. Nutrition advice 3. Medicine management 4. Exercise programmes 5. Blood glucose measurement and management 6. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing which reveals your average blood sugar level over weeks/months 7. Easy, convenient access to all your medication, devices, supplements and special foodstuffs under one roof 8. Free chronic medication and prescription delivery 9. Earn Benefit points on every purchase to redeem as cash on future visits 10. Only at Dis-Chem
Dis-Chem is a partner of the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology
Inspiring Diabetics, One by Onehappy
Issue 08
Summer 2013
with diabete S Life can be Sweet,
min 20 work-outs! that everyone can do.
how to be a
Inspiring
Abdullah Khan may not be diabetic himself, but he’s certainly made a difference to every diabetic he’s ever met. The owner of Athlone Pharmacy started the Diabetic 101 support group to inspire his community: here’s what he’s learnt.
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What is Diabetic 101? Diabetic 101 is a support group I started here in Athlone, down the road from my pharmacy, when I noticed an increase in the number of diabetics in my area. I think our ideas and attitude about diabetes are what the community needed. We educate people about the condition - Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: about following a diet and motivating them to realise that with the right discipline diabetes is not a debilitating illness. We serve as a medium to gain access to all types of information related to diabetes. The name came about because we wanted it to be a one to one support group. If you have a question about your diabetes, we have a pharmacist, doctor, dietician, physiotherapist and psychologist on board – you can speak to them one to one and get all the answers, and support, you need. It’s Diabetic 101.
diabetic Delicious party food.
Great advice from our experts.
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2013/10/07 11:17 AM SLM08_Cover.indd 1
Do you see a lot of diabetics at your pharmacy? Yes – and there are more every year. I see lots of chronic illness, but especially diabetes. The word is out that I’m a diabetic specialist! Why do you care about diabetes so much? I’ve always had an interest in diabetes, I’m passionate about it. I love learning more about the condition and how to help people who have diabetes. The more I get involved, the more I can help. I’ve learnt a lot about diabetes from the people I see, too. Community members will come in with complaints and if I don’t know the answer I’ll speak to my doctor friend and find out more. Do you think being in a support group helps? Absolutely – this type of chronic condition really needs support.
“Since we last spoke, our ever active walking group is growing in leaps and bounds. I had the privilege of doing a diabetic course through Roche in Cape Town over a 5 day period: it was very informative and equipped me with more knowledge.”
Because it’s in many ways a lifestyle disease, it can be easy to feel down about it – many people feel like they’re alone, like it’s a death sentence. So it’s important to have motivation and support from people who know what it’s like to live with diabetes. 80% of the volunteers who run Diabetic 101 have diabetes. The other great thing about being part of a support group is that it can motivate you to lead a healthier lifestyle: Diabetic 101 has a weekly Wednesday walking group that many members have joined. What do you think is the biggest challenge of living with diabetes? You need to follow a very strict and disciplined lifestyle – taking your medication on time, keeping a strict diet and exercising often. Those are the three
important points for diabetics, I think, and they’re not always easy to keep in balance. What advice so you have for diabetics who are struggling? It really helps to join a support group or at least speak to someone who is also diabetic. Meet up every month or two and just sit and chat about what it’s like to live with diabetes. It’s a different experience to speaking to a doctor – you can get support from someone who really understands. What makes your life sweet? If I can benefit someone else, I’m happy. If I can make someone smile, that’s great. Get in touch with Abdullah: Diabetic 101 Support Group on Facebook
25
Diabetes in the community Issue 09
Autumn 2014
Life cAn be sweet, with diAbetes
Let’s
dance! Fun ways to get fit.
Your favourite meals, made healthy
why you need a
diabetes community PLUS: Our experts give advice and tips on living with diabetes
Free! Take one now
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
2014/02/28 8:15 AM SLM09_Cover.indd 1
We ask Dr. Tracey Naledi, the Chief Director of Health Programmes for the Western Cape Department of Health, to share her personal health tips and what the Department of Health has to offer diabetics who want to live a healthy, happy life with diabetes.
We also screen people so that we can pick up those with early signs of diabetes, and provide proper diagnosis and treatment. If a doctor suspects you might be diabetic, it kicks in a whole process within our health facilities. But we also proactively do campaigns in community-based settings like malls, where we go out and invite people to test for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and HIV, and give them information on these conditions. Do you believe community is important when living with a chronic condition? Absolutely – I think community is important when you’re dealing with anything that government does. Government is something that works for the people: it is put there by the people to do things on behalf of the people, but at all times we need to be consulting with the people to be sure the things we’re coming up with are what they want. We have to make sure the way we’re doing things
is what the community needs. That’s why we have processes to consult with community members, health facility boards and health committees, so that any problems can be discussed. Being close to the community is very important to us. Why is diabetes a priority in South Africa? Chronic diseases in general are a priority, because they affect so many people and are such a huge burden of disease. You also can’t just pop a pill for a chronic condition to go away: you need to treat it for the rest of your life. We have to make sure we have the capacity to deal with all these chronic diseases for a very long time. It’s a long term, lifelong thing. And the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes are actually quite serious.
Inspiring
What does the Department of Health offer those with diabetes? We focus a lot on prevention: diabetes prevention is so important. People need to be aware of the risk factors that lead to diabetes before we even start talking about the condition, so we highlight the dangers of a poor diet and being overweight, lack of physical activity, drinking too much and smoking. But this isn’t only the role of the Department of Health – it’s also important for individuals to understand what the risk factors are and to prevent them from happening in the first place.
What makes your life sweet? God and my family. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, the most important thing to me is my family. My work one day will end, all the money in the world will disappear, all the material things will be gone, but there’s nothing I love more than coming home.
“We focus a lot on prevention: diabetes prevention is so important. People need to be aware of the risk factors that lead to diabetes before we even start talking about the condition.” 27
Beating stress with diet Every year the start of the ‘silly season’ gets earlier and earlier and our stress levels can lead us to make poor food choices. Try these stress-fighting nutrition tips for optimum wellness: Eat early
Healthy tips
When it comes to stocking up on stamina, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Plan lean protein with filling wholegrain foods such as seed loaf toast with peanut butter and a sliced banana, or a bowl of oats or bran cereal with yoghurt, fruit and nuts.
28
Prevent a low blood sugar Keep a store of healthy snacks handy, such as pieces of fruit, nuts, carrot sticks or even wholewheat crackers with spreads such as hummus, cottage cheese or peanut butter.
Cut back on caffeine When stressed, people frequently turn to caffeine-rich drinks for a quick energy boost. However, this can disrupt your night’s sleep and lead to further fatigue, so consider switching to the decaffeinated versions.
Drink up! Sipping on water or herbal teas will
prevent you from becoming dehydrated - a top culprit for fatigue.
Pump some iron Even a slight deficiency of this mineral can make you feel run-down. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron, or load up on vegetarian sources, such as fortified cereals, wholegrain breads and even beans.
Eat ‘calming foods’ Tryptophan, one of the amino acids found in some foods is thought to boost the formation of serotonin, which is the “feel-good brain calming’ chemical. Unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas are rich sources of this amino acid.
Avoid the refined starches White bread, pastries, biscuits, cakes and other treats can leave you feeling fatigued and lethargic. Take your own snacks and lunch with you so you are less tempted to ‘tuck in’.
Pick n Pay Hotline Pick n Pay's registered dietitian provides free food and nutrition-related advice to the public: guidelines on managing your condition, weight loss tips, healthy eating tips, how to manage food allergies and how to interpret food labels. Contact the Health Hotline on 0800 11 22 88 or email healthhotline@pnp.co.za
35
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABET ES
With ice skating you need to be feeling 100% every time you take to the ice. But that didn’t stop KZN champ Rachel Lombard from competing. Who did you skate for? I was part of the Toti Seals Synchro Team, and we represented KwaZulu/ Natal in various competitions. How long have you been diabetic? I was diagnosed about 10 years ago, when I was 7 years old. It was pretty traumatic, I was scared that I was dying because I was misdiagnosed – they thought it was cancer. It was a huge shock for my mom, but I just remember feeling relieved it was only diabetes! How is your life different because you’re diabetic? I definitely started eating healthier because it’s better for me and my blood sugar. School was a bit difficult – most teachers really don’t know anything about diabetes, so I had to depend on my best friends, they know all about it. I’ve definitely become more health conscious. What do you love about ice skating? I love it mainly because it’s different, and because there’s a real community – especially with my team and the coach. What do you think the biggest challenge of living with diabetes is?
Issue 10
Winter 2014
Fun ways to
ftness (yes, it’s true...)
Sweet Life’s
10
Ten
- delicious healthy snacks - fast facts about blood sugar
th
celebration issue!
PLUS: Meet our fanta of diabetic expestic team rts. SLM10_Cover.indd
- FAQ about the diabetic diet... - And more!
Free!
Take one now
www.sweetlifem ag.co.za
1 2014/05/28 3:50 PM
The testing – having to test all the time. And how you can never predict what your blood sugar is going to do: you’ll eat something and know how much insulin to take, and it works… And then the next time you eat exactly the same thing and take the same amount of insulin and it doesn’t work, for some reason.
Inspiring
Aiming for the Perfect 10
What advice would you offer to diabetics who are struggling? Get support: that’s the one thing you need, you can’t do it alone. Also be aware that parents go through the highs and lows of diabetes just as much – my mom does so much for me, I don’t know what I’d do without her. What makes your life sweet? Just my friends and family around me, helping me through any situation and offering support if I need it. That’s what makes my life sweet. Get in touch with Rachel: ray.durban@gmail.com
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Keeping others inspired We chatted to community inspiration Veronica Vember about how she changes lives, one step at a time. Issue 11
Spring 2014 DIABETES SWEET, WITH LIFE CAN BE
A real sense
of
community Also
- fun ways to ise group exerc ies - baked good tes - easy diabe nt manageme tools ! more And -
Sweet Life’s
vasbyt issue!
support PLUS: how to d your best frien
! Free one Take now
mag.co.za www.sweetlife
2014/07/24
Inspiring
SLM11_Cover.indd
30
5:23 PM
1
What got you interested in diabetes at first? It all started whilst working in the vascular unit at Kingsbury Hospital. I realised that most people are not informed about managing diabetes after being diagnosed. So I became passionate in the control of potential complications, and Kingsbury management identified my passion and allowed me to do the vascular course in London as it’s not offered here. On my return, I did two presentations at the doctors academic meetings. At the time my husband had a myocardial infarction and had been diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. The entire experience
stimulated me to get involved with my community. Now my husband is one of the volunteers. I then started doing motivational talks at schools, groups, on radio and at our nursing college. How did you start your community group? I joined the Strandfontein Health Forum and offered to do the diabetes awareness events as there was no project as such. With the awareness held at the Strandfontein Clinic I handed out questionnaires and a suggestion box. The community asked for a diabetic support group: that’s what started it.
and thankful towards the responsible person for the recognition. I’m very proud of the team of dedicated volunteer attendees as I can’t do this alone. It’s a team effort – unity is strength.
“Our National Diabetes Month plans for this year are to reach out and bring diabetes awareness to the shopping malls and on the 5th November on the soccer field in Strandfontein with their annual large event. Our emphasis for this time has been on the principles of regular medication administration, healthy meals, regular check-ups and joining a support group.” What keeps you inspired? The positive attitude and enthusiasm of the volunteers, and noticing the excitement of the attendees. When we take a break, people want to know when we’ll be starting again. The continuous support of ‘diabetes life’ (a diabetic clinic at Kingsbury hospital) under the management of endocrinologist Dr May, Dr Tracy van Rensburg and nurse educator Sr. Dee Ferguson (my mentor). Positive feedback from the doctors at the day hospitals where the clients attend also keeps me going. You were voted one of the Western Cape’s Lead SA heroes - how did this make you feel? Surprised, shocked, emotional, confused
What advice do you offer your support group members when they are struggling? To persevere, not to give up, not to give in, to be compliant, to attend the support group regularly. We do individual counselling and have a communication box available for constructive comments and replies. How do you make diabetes inspiring? We create a harmonious atmosphere: a safe environment with easy accessibility, clean, functional equipment and competent staff. We vary programs, presentations, literature, topics and menus (soup in winter and tea and a snack in summer). We also combine our decision making with the volunteers, so everyone feels that they are part of the group, and that they have a say. What makes your life sweet? Carrying out our mission, vision and outcome. S - be sensitive towards all W - warn people about the consequences of not being compliant E - educate people regarding a healthy lifestyle and change of mindset E - be empathetic and empower people with knowledge T - to be trained, to train others Outcome: To ensure that all community members are well informed, and reach and maintain normal glucose levels. Get in touch with Veronica: Strandfontein Diabetic Support Group on Facebook
31
Spreading the Word about Diabetes
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
Neville Pillay is one of Durban’s favourite DJs and comedians… Who just happens to be a Type 2 diabetic. We speak to him about keeping up with the Morning Rush on Lotus FM, with diabetes.
Issue 12
Summer 2014
Happy
national diabetes month
Sweet Life’s
positive issue!
PLUS: how to tell your new partner about diab etes
SLM12_Cover.indd
Also
- all about the insulin pump - how to hike - international food recipes - expert interviews - And more!
Free!
Take one now
www.sweetlifem ag.co.za
1 2014/10/08 10:38 PM
How long have you been diabetic? I was diagnosed well over 12 years ago, when I was 28 years old. But I remember my doctor telling me at 24 that I was at higher risk for diabetes because of my family history, and that I should change my diet… If only I had listened then! Was your diagnosis a surprise? To be perfectly honest, I knew all the symptoms – frequent urination, constant thirst, itchy skin, the sweats – but I chose to ignore them. By the time I was diagnosed I wasn’t surprised at all. Are any of your family members diabetic? My dad was and my mom is – she’s a Type 1 diabetic. You would think that would have made me more aware of diabetes, but the way we were brought up, we were ignorant about it – it was just something that my mom had. Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is also a very different condition to Type 1. Do you ever talk about diabetes on air? Absolutely: every chance I get to relate my story, I do. Many of my listeners on Lotus FM are affected by diabetes in one 32
way or another, so it helps to be able to share our stories. Do you ever tell jokes about diabetes in your comedy shows? Oh yes, for sure. My comedy is based on my life, so of course I do! For example, I’ve got a lot of friends whose dads have passed away and left them things: cars and houses, even a Jaguar – all kinds of things. What did my dad leave me? Diabetes. I also like pointing out the irony of the fact that Indians came to South Africa as indentured labourers to cut sugar cane… And what disease do we all get? The sugars! Diabetes. How do you balance a busy lifestyle with eating right and exercise? It’s so difficult to do, so difficult. I’m not a pro at it and yes, I lapse every now and then. But for the most part I’m on point with eating well, staying away from sugary drinks and sweets and taking my medication. I’ve been a DJ since 1997 and I love it, but if you want any kind of stability or comfort zone, radio isn’t it. Every day is different and the landscape is
constantly changing. So that’s an added challenge. What do you think the biggest challenge of living with diabetes is? To constantly monitor your blood sugar and make the right choices. The difficulty is in making those daily healthy choices, even when you’re around other people who can eat anything they like. That said, I know that there are terrible side effects, so it’s well worth making the effort. I was diabetic for a long time before I was diagnosed, and I know there have been some debilitating effects on my body, so I’m very
Inspiring
“For National Diabetes Month this year, I hope to speak at as many gatherings as possible, and of course I will be doing daily topics on my radio show on Lotus FM covering diabetes education.”
careful to take good care now. What advice would you offer to diabetics who are struggling? Make one small change at a time and eventually you will have changed your lifestyle to effectively manage your condition. What makes your life sweet? My girls, Jordan and Skylar, and my job. I love to entertain and it drives me daily. Get in touch with Neville: @topdan on Twitter or Neville Pillay on Facebook.
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LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
Issue 14
Winter 2015
Also
Diabetes and
Motherhood
(our pregnancy issue) PLUS: The best lunch (and lunchbox!) ideas
- Expert interviews - Diabetic diet advice - Fitness focus - And more!
Free! Take one now
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
A New Sweet Life SLM14_Cover.indd 1
Sweet Life editor and Type 1 diabetic Bridget McNulty shares her pregnancy story – and what she wishes she’d known before she fell pregnant. 34
2015/06/05 12:50 PM
How long have you been diabetic? I was diagnosed in October 2007, so it’s been 9 years now… It was a very dramatic diagnosis: I was admitted to ICU for five days and was apparently only three days away from a diabetic coma because my blood sugar was so high. Did you have to prepare to fall pregnant? I told my endocrinologist ahead of time that my husband Mark and I were thinking of having a baby, and he gave me the go-ahead because my blood sugar was already well-controlled: my HbA1c results were 7.0 and below for the year before I fell pregnant. I also mentally prepared for the pregnancy, because I knew it would require a lot of discipline and that my diabetes would become even more of a full-time job than it already was! How did having diabetes affect your pregnancy? I had to be in extremely tight control throughout – HbA1c results of 6 and below (which I didn’t think was possible before I fell pregnant!) and blood glucose results of 7.8mmol/l or below an hour after eating… Where possible. I also had to test even more frequently than usual (up to 8 times a day). I had HbA1c tests every month and saw my endocrinologist every month, and I couldn’t indulge in pregnancy cravings like eating a whole tub of ice-cream! I had to be very strict with my diet. But it’s amazing how much easier it is to do when your motivation is the health of your baby. It was easier than I thought possible before I fell pregnant. How was the birth experience? As smooth as I could have hoped for. I chose to have an elective C-section: it was either that or an induction, as all babies born to diabetic moms have to be born at 38 weeks. In the week before the birth my blood pressure started creeping up, and I was retaining a lot of water.
Because diabetics are at greater risk of pre-eclampsia, my gynecologist decided to bring the birth forward two days, from the Monday to the Saturday. It was hugely exciting, and hugely nerve-wracking. Arthur, my baby boy, was born totally healthy and weighed in at a (very) healthy 4.5kg. We fell in love with him instantly. What was it like having a young baby, with diabetes? It was a real challenge in the early days. Breastfeeding plays havoc with blood sugar control, and causes really persistent lows. Sleep deprivation is tough to deal with, and it’s so overwhelming having a new baby and trying to learn how to be a parent that my diabetes kind of took a back seat for a while. I remembered to inject and test, but that was about it. What do you think the biggest challenge of a diabetic pregnancy is? Although 9 months doesn’t seem like that long at first, it feels like a really long time to be non-stop super-disciplined. What advice would you offer to diabetics who are struggling? You will feel so much better if you get your blood sugar under control. It is so worth it in terms of health and energy and general happiness to do what it takes to get good control. I know how hard it can be, but the reward is a healthy, happy life with diabetes – and that’s about as good as it gets. What makes your life sweet? My two sweet children, my wonderful husband, my awesome family and friends and the sweet life I’m living! Get in touch with Bridget @sweet_life_mag on Twitter or hello@sweetlifemag.co.za
35
Issue 15
Spring 2015
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
Inspiring
Also
36
Taking Diabetes Education to Schools
- Delicious dinner ideas - Kids exercise advice - Expert interviews - And more!
Diabetes Education
in schools
(what you need to know)
Free! Take one now
PLUS: How to deal with the stigma of diabetes
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
SLM15_Cover.indd 1
2015/08/17 12:21 AM
When Roxanne and Derick de Villiers wanted to enroll their son Noah in pre-school, they didn’t think diabetes would be an issue. When it turned out it was, they turned the situation around. Can you tell us about Noah’s diagnosis? It was just before his 3rd birthday. When Noah got really sick and then diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, we
were really emotional. Here was our little boy who had this huge change in his young life: nurses and needles – that’s a picture we will never forget. But we can
promise you this: in the midst of those overwhelming emotions, your parental instinct to protect your child immediately kicks in and your mind opens up so much to take in all that you need to. There is an urgency to get on top of the changes and adapt as quickly as possible. Has it become any easier with time? It has, it really has. You know that old saying that time is a healer? We believe time is a teacher. Diabetes is now second nature and so much a part of life. Having other family members also educated about Type 1 diabetes has made it easier as well because they can also test and inject when necessary. When did Noah start pre-school? Noah actually started pre-school the January before he was diagnosed with Type 1. When the pre-school was informed about him being diagnosed, the principal and his class teacher were at the hospital and were really supportive about this change in his life. What really impacted our lives positively was that they were prepared to learn and take part in this process too. Could you tell us about the school application process? At Noah’s first pre-school in 2012, he was already enrolled ahead of being diagnosed. We then made a home move and Noah needed to move pre-schools too. The school we enquired at for enrolment was amazing. Applying for Grade R was a little bit different and more involved. They had never had an application that included full disclosure of the child having Type 1 diabetes. We had a few meetings with the Executive Head and we pressed on for the understanding that we (the school and parents) could put a fair process in place that would protect both the child and the school without discarding school laws.
“We’re trusting that National Diabetes Month will be incorporated at Noah’s school again this year, where all the kids dress up in denim and contribute to the cause of raising awareness for diabetes.” We needed to be a voice for Noah, for other diabetic children to follow and especially for the parents of diabetic children who go through this worry and want to enroll their precious children at the schools of their choice. The Executive Head and Regional Head of Noah’s grade school were true blessings because they agreed to put the suggested process in place and were on board to becoming the forward thinking, proactive and progressive school that they are. A beautiful school/parent relationship exists now. What advice would you offer to other parents about diabetes education in schools? The education is ongoing. It is never a once-off. Urge the school to have more teacher / parent sessions to talk openly about Type 1 diabetes. Whether your medical support is private or public, involve the nurse, the pediatrician, or the professor looking after your child. There is a big need, a big want and a big drive for education in this area. Minds need to be changed about diabetes and its management within the school system. What makes your life sweet? For Noah, having control of the DSTV remote and the Smart Tab and for us, his parents, seeing him so confident and secure even though he lives with diabetes. 37
Creating Change We chat to Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla, a diabetes educator who trains local healthcare workers in a programme called Agents for Change, about diabetes in the workplace. Can you tell us about Agents for Change? Agents for Change is a diabetes training outreach programme, supported by the World Diabetes Foundation, that aims to improve diabetes care in rural and semi-urban areas of South Africa. The goal is to empower healthcare providers and people living with diabetes to manage their diabetes to prevent diabetes-related complications. The first part is two days of intensive and interactive training that provides participants with a sound knowledge of diabetes. Practical skills in preventing and managing lifestyle conditions are demonstrated, like how to prepare affordable healthy food. Participants set their own goals of what they wish to change in their lifestyle habits and workplace. Six months later, the same participants come back for the second phase where they share their experiences, successes and challenges in carrying out their planned changes. We focus on behaviour counselling and the stages of change. People with diabetes are invited and 38
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
Issue 16
Summer 2015
Also
- Festive-friendly recipes - De-stress at work - And dealing with weight issues
Agents for Change
Outreach in the workplace
Free! Take one now
PLUS: How to cope with diabetes and a full-time job
SLM16_Cover.indd 1
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
2015/10/09 11:02 AM
they volunteer to share their real life experiences to be discussed as case studies for learning. Agents for Change has trained more than 1,500 healthcare workers and reached thousands of South Africans since 2008. How are you involved? I run the workshops with Noy Pullen, the project manager. How did you become interested in diabetes? My father had diabetes and so did all of his siblings, so there’s a family connection. I have also been working as a diabetes educator since 1995 at Groote Schuur Hospital and am currently working as a clinical educator at the University of Cape Town.
What is the most surprising lesson for the participants? That the effect of physical activity on blood sugar levels is similar to that of blood glucose lowering medicines and insulin. Once they have finished their training, what happens? They are encouraged to start support groups and vegetable gardens. Those groups are called “Khula Groups”. They get continued support from the project – reading material and gifts – and they are always linked to the project manager on SMS or email.
“I like Mahatma Gandhi’s quote: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’. I have adopted this as my motto – I understand how challenging it is to change any lifestyle behaviour. Since we spoke I am always conscious of walking the talk, having empathy and never judging anyone. I have also since joined the patient physical activity group in Gugulethu!”
Inspiring
What is the most important message you share in your training? Three things: 1. Choosing a healthy lifestyle can prevent and/or delay the onset of diabetes. 2. People living with diabetes can enjoy a healthy, normal life. 3. A positive attitude leads to a meaningful life.
their lives and taken charge of their own health find it easier. What makes your life sweet? Living in the moment, love and smiles from people around me.
How many people has Agents for Change helped? Agents for Change has trained more than 1,500 healthcare workers and through them reached thousands of South Africans since 2008. What advice would you offer to people living with diabetes who are struggling? I can never fully understand how diabetes affects people who live with it, so it wouldn’t be right for me to offer advice. Because diabetes affects people differently, the approach should be personalised. However, I do notice that those who have accepted diabetes as part of
Get in touch with Buyelwa: buyelwa.majikela-dlangamandla@ uct.ac.za or find out more about Agents for Change at www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org : Projects.
39
Living the Low Carb Life When Vickie de Beer’s son Lucca was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she started a journey that ended with her publishing an award-winning cookbook and lifestyle guide: The Low Carb Solution for Diabetics. Looking back, what do you wish you’d known when Lucca was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes? That insulin takes much longer to reach the blood stream than we were told. I had a lot of anxiety about Lucca going into a hypo after eating, and it was completely unnecessary. I also wish I knew what
LIFE CAN BE SWEET, WITH DIABETES
Issue 17
Autumn 2016
Living (and eating!)
Low Carb (all the details)
Also - Holiday ideas that don’t cost a cent - Relaxing ways to exercise - Healthy ideas - And more!
PLUS: Understanding all about insulin
SLM17_Cover.indd 1
Free! Take one now
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
2016/02/17 1:09 AM
a huge impact carbohydrates had on his blood sugar! We did carb count and test and inject diligently, but there were always unexplained highs and lows that frustrated me and made Lucca feel awful. What inspired you to write The Low Carb Solution for Diabetics?
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
40
We have always, from the first day, taken Lucca’s diabetes seriously. We did everything the doctors and dietician told us. We adapted our diet to eating only low GI foods and tested Lucca’s blood sugars diligently. Every time we went to the doctor they congratulated us on his great HbA1c result and said that we were doing everything possible for Lucca’s health. The doctor always said that the next step would be to control the extreme fluctuations between high spikes and lows in Lucca’s blood sugar. I could never get clear information on how we were supposed do that though, apart from doing what we were already doing. About a year ago I met Prof Tim Noakes at the book launch of Real Meal Revolution. We significantly reduced our carbohydrate intake, but did not remove carbohydrate completely from our diet. I didn’t understand how we could remove all the carbohydrates from Lucca’s diet as suggested by the LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) movement. We were taught that children needed carbohydrates for energy, growth and brain function and I also knew that Lucca needed to get insulin. If we took away the carbohydrates how would he get the insulin he needed? I still gave the children small amounts of low GI carbs like brown rice and brown pasta with their evening meals. Lucca’s blood sugar didn’t improve much – I would say that we were on a moderate carb diet. Then I made contact with a group in the USA that follow a low carb high protein (not high fat) diet with great success in managing steady blood glucose levels in Type I diabetic children. It’s based on a book: Dr Bernstein’s Diabetic Solution. Dr Bernstein has had Type 1 diabetes for 69 years. After reading his book and studying other low carb websites and books, we decided to change the way we eat.
“We have great news about The Low Carb Solution for Diabetics: it has been released in the UK and will be available on Amazon worldwide! We will be involved in the Diabetes SA event The Health and Life Expo in November as guest speakers about the low carb way of treating diabetes.” Do you have any tips for people who feel overwhelmed at the thought of changing their way of eating? Do it gradually. We started with breakfast (because the boys love bacon!) and then did dinners – lunchboxes were the last because they can be tricky. What advice would you offer to people living with diabetes who are struggling? Diabetes is in the details. The best tool is to test constantly and diligently. The bottom line is that cutting carbs makes diabetes easier to manage. All the hundreds of reasons I used to give to explain Lucca’s unstable sugar – the heat, stress, tiredness – it was always the carbs! What makes your life sweet? Hugs from my boys! Playing board games with them (and winning), swimming and braaing with them, reading with them… The fact that Lucca’s blood sugar is under control has changed our lives. We had a lot of anxiety about it beforehand. Although we still test and inject diligently, the anxiety is gone. I think we have finally taken control of diabetes, and diabetes has lost its control over us. Get in touch with Vickie: @Vickiefantastic on Twitter
41
Finding the Right Food
Inspiring
Sometimes the biggest challenge to eating a healthy diet is finding the right ingredients: here’s one great solution. Do you have a special interest in diabetes? “It soon became clear that people with diabetes have the biggest need for healthy low carbohydrate and sugar-free food,” explains Annora, founder of Anja’s Pantry. “So we involved trained nutritionists to guide us in what the right type of products should be for diabetics, and started to change the content of our pantry.” The result? All the products in Anja’s Pantry stores are now diabetic friendly.
How did you choose the location of Anja’s Pantry Plumstead? Anja’s Pantry in Plumstead is right next door to a few fast food spots. “We chose the location on purpose,” explains Alliyah, the owner of the store. “We want to provide healthier options to those in Plumstead and surrounds. It’s often difficult to prepare home cooked meals and so called ‘proper food’ with our fast paced lifestyles: we’re
Issue 18
Winter 2016 DIABETES SWEET, WITH LIFE CAN BE
Our delicious
Food Issue
ipes) (info, facts and rec
Also
- Winter workouts lements? supp - Do you need out advice - Diabetes burn - And more!
nt PLUS: How to cou
carbs
! Free one Take now
mag.co.za www.sweetlife
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hoping to make it much easier for those wanting to enjoy a more nutritionally sound meal.” Do you have any advice for those who are struggling with their diabetes? “Living a sugar-free and low carb life shouldn’t be that difficult,” says Annora. Alliyah agrees. “An important part of managing your condition is to eat healthy meals and steer clear of certain items. Always read labels!” What makes your life sweet? For Annora, it’s feeling healthy and eating without feeling guilty. For Alliyah: “My amazing family, who made this shop a reality.” Get in touch Anja’s Pantry: Anja’s Pantry - the Food Farmacy on Facebook, @Anjas_Pantry on Twitter or www.anjaspantry.co.za
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
04 42
Let’s enjoy the moment
The OneTouch Select® Plus range of meters Meet the OneTouch Select® Plus range of meters, each featuring a 3-colour range indicator* to help you quickly understand if you are in range or not – helping you to manage your diabetes so you can enjoy the moment. To discover more, visit www.OneTouchMEA.com, call OneTouch® Customer Care on 0800600345 (Toll Free) - Monday to Friday or contact us at service@LifeScanMEA.com
OneTouch Select Plus Flex™ Your straightforward meter
OneTouch Select® Plus Your personalised meter
*Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about the low and high limits right for you. The low and high range limits you set in the OneTouch Select Plus FlexTM meter apply to all glucose test results. This includes tests taken before or after mealtimes, medications and around any other activities that may affect blood glucose. LifeScan Europe, Gubelstrasse 34 CH-6300 Zug Switzerland. © 2016 - LifeScan Middle East & Africa a division of Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. - CO/SPX/0815/0228a