Diabetes Crisis in South Africa: Urgent Action Needed.

Alarming reports reveal that there is a Diabetes Crisis in South Africa. Indeed, diabetes has become the leading cause of death in South Africa since 2019, presenting a growing challenge for the healthcare system. Dr. Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson of the South African Diabetes Alliance, highlights that only 10-30% of patients achieve effective disease management, even within the private healthcare sector. This gap has severe implications, leading to increased mortality rates and an overwhelming burden on families, communities, and the national healthcare system​.

The Impact of Diabetes on Women in South Africa

Diabetes is particularly prevalent among South African women, who face unique challenges that exacerbate the current crisis. According to recent data, nearly 10% of adult females in South Africa live with diabetes, a figure that highlights the gender disparity in the condition’s prevalence​

World Health Organization (WHO). Women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes increase the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes for both the mother and child. This heightened vulnerability places an extra strain on healthcare resources, especially as women often act as primary caregivers, further burdening their health​ (Medtronic Diabetes, World Diabetes Day.)

The economic and social impact of diabetes on women is profound. It leads to reduced income opportunities and productivity, as well as increased healthcare costs. As a result, the overall financial burden on families and communities intensifies. For more information on the specific risks diabetes poses to women, visit the World Health Organization’s report and explore recent findings in the Diabetes Summit Report.

The Diabetes Management Crisis in South Africa

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), South Africa has the highest prevalence of diabetes on the continent, with an estimated 4.3 million people affected. However, the number of undiagnosed cases remains alarmingly high. Many patients do not receive timely diagnosis, which exacerbates the risks of severe complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, and amputations. As Dr. Piotie emphasizes, without immediate interventions, the economic and health burdens of diabetes will continue to escalate.

The 2023 Diabetes Summit Report Recommendations

The 2023 Diabetes Summit, held at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Campus, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and diabetes advocates. The summit presented key findings and recommendations aimed at addressing the critical gaps in diabetes care. One major recommendation is the need for structured education programs for both patients and healthcare workers. The absence of a comprehensive diabetes education framework has left many patients struggling to manage their condition effectively. The summit called for the recognition and integration of Diabetes Nurse Educators within the public healthcare system, as they play a pivotal role in patient education and support.

In the recent article by my colleague Winnie Prudence Dlamini, the call to “Wear Blue for Diabetes Awareness Month” was emphasized as a public gesture of solidarity and a step towards raising awareness. Campaigns like these are essential in highlighting the importance of early detection and the need for improved diabetes management strategies and tackle this diabetes crisis in South Africa.

The Role of Community Healthcare Workers

A significant untapped resource in the fight against diabetes is the network of community healthcare workers (CHWs). The summit report highlights the potential of CHWs in conducting community screenings for diabetes and hypertension, recognizing symptoms early, and facilitating timely referrals for proper care. Leveraging these workers could greatly enhance early diagnosis rates, especially in underserved areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited.

The Economic Burden of Diabetes

Diabetes management in South Africa faces severe challenges due to inadequate investment in prevention and control measures. The lack of effective management leads to costly complications that place an enormous strain on healthcare resources. Dr. Piotie warned, “If we don’t invest in diabetes care today, we will face even greater costs tomorrow.” The financial implications extend beyond healthcare, affecting the country’s economic productivity as more individuals suffer from diabetes-related disabilities.

Government and International Support

The South African National Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Diabetes Alliance, has committed to implementing the recommendations from the 2023 Diabetes Summit Report. This includes utilizing resources like the Health Promotion Levy (commonly known as the sugar tax) to fund prevention and control initiatives. Efforts are also being made to intensify community-based screenings and promote healthy lifestyle changes.

According to the WHO representative, Dr. Joseph Kibachio Mwangi, the organization is fully committed to supporting South Africa’s national strategy. The WHO’s involvement includes providing grants through the World Diabetes Foundation to strengthen the country’s health system for diabetes prevention and management.

The Need for Diabetes Education

A pervasive issue identified in the report is the lack of structured diabetes education for both patients and healthcare providers. Without proper training, healthcare workers struggle to offer effective guidance, leaving many patients to navigate their condition with limited knowledge. The summit’s recommendations urge the government to incentivize professional nurses to specialize as Diabetes Nurse Educators. This move would significantly enhance patient education, enabling better self-management practices and reducing complications.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The diabetes crisis in South Africa requires immediate and comprehensive action. Addressing the current gaps in management through increased public awareness, better healthcare worker training, and enhanced community involvement is crucial. Initiatives like the Wear Blue for Diabetes Awareness Month campaign are vital for driving public engagement and highlighting the need for systemic changes. By investing in diabetes care today, South Africa can mitigate the growing health and economic impacts of this life-threatening condition, paving the way for a healthier future.

For more in-depth information on the state of diabetes care in South Africa, read the full Diabetes Summit Report and Recommendations.