We all know the terrifying stats: Diabetes is the number one killer of women in South Africa, and the second leading cause of death in men. 1 in 2 people with diabetes is undiagnosed.
So, what can we do?
South Africa needs a mass diabetes awareness drive. We want the whole of South Africa to wear blue on World Diabetes Day, Tuesday 14th November 2023.
Why? So that every South African will know the 5 symptoms of diabetes.
The 4 voices for this campaign – Bridget McNulty, Salih Hendricks, Siyabonga Zuma and Helga Nefdt -encompass 4 different lived experiences with diabetes. Type 1, Type 2, public private, young and old, male and female, with complications and without.
We all have the same message: #WearBlueforDiabetes & Know the 5.
What are the 5?
These are the 5 symptoms that could mean you have Diabetes:
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Needing to Pee
- Blurry Vision
- Exhaustion
We need your help to turn South Africa blue!
We have 4 fascinating and diverse stories about life with diabetes – Bridget is South Africa’s leading voice for diabetes, following a devastating diagnosis. Salih was diagnosed as a teenager, had emergency surgery on his honeymoon, looked after his health but still had to have an amputation at 55. Siyabonga’s sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a year before he was, but he still lived a double life for years because of stigma. And Helga’s diabetes journey began with gestational diabetes but she kept her diabetes a secret until 5 years ago.
They are all ready to share their stories with you.
Find out more at www.sweetlife.org.za/WearBlueforDiabetes and please help us turn SA blue!
