KZN Mother Shares Struggles of Raising Child with Type 1 Diabetes

Busisiwe Mazibuko, a Durban mother, has been navigating the challenges of managing her 12-year-old daughter Sanele's Type 1 diabetes since she was diagnosed at the age of four. Mazibuko describes the emotional and practical difficulties of keeping Sanele's blood sugar levels under control, despite receiving medical guidance on managing the condition. Sanele's blood sugar readings often hover around 14 mmol/L, above the recommended target range of 4 to 7 mmol/L.

Mazibuko shares that when Sanele gets sick, she becomes weak and loses weight quickly, and sometimes struggles to recover. The family has had to adapt to a new eating routine to ensure Sanele does not feel different from other family members. Mazibuko has even stopped using cooking oil to help manage Sanele's high blood sugar levels. Healthcare workers have provided the family with a glucose testing machine and testing strips during their three-monthly hospital check-ups.

Diabetes advocate Pitso Molemane, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 43 years, emphasizes that a diagnosis should never prevent a child from pursuing their dreams. He raises concerns about young people hiding their condition or skipping insulin injections due to fear of being judged or treated differently. Molemane encourages children with Type 1 diabetes to manage their condition and live a normal life.

Noxolo Dlamini, who has lived with diabetes for over 21 years, stresses that quality care goes beyond access to medication. She believes that having the right support, resources, and healthcare professionals is crucial throughout the journey of managing diabetes. Dlamini's experience highlights the importance of comprehensive care for individuals living with diabetes.

Mzwakhe Mkhize, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 15 years, shares the emotional challenges of managing the condition. He notes that living with Type 1 diabetes is about more than managing blood sugar levels; it's also about coping with everyday challenges, emotional ups and downs, and finding the strength to keep going. Mkhize's story showcases the resilience required to manage a chronic condition.

According to Statistics South Africa's 2024 General Household Survey, approximately 298,000 people in KwaZulu-Natal have been diagnosed with diabetes. Nationally, the figure stands at approximately 1.713 million. However, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that 2.32 million adults in South Africa were living with diabetes in 2024, indicating a significant number of undiagnosed cases.

As South Africa marks World Diabetes Day on November 14, the stories of people living with diabetes highlight the importance of early diagnosis, access to treatment, understanding, and continued support. Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, and Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin treatment. Raising awareness and providing support can help individuals like Sanele manage their condition and live a normal life.

Key points

• A Durban mother shares her struggles in managing her 12-year-old daughter's Type 1 diabetes.
• Diabetes advocates emphasize the importance of comprehensive care and support for individuals living with diabetes.
• South Africa marks World Diabetes Day on November 14, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and access to treatment.