Page 7 - Advancing Life - January 2026
P. 7
ADVANCINGLIFE, FEBRUARY 2026 7
Issue 05 NEWS
A Community
Conversation about
Diabetes
By: Nireshni Chellan, Carron The highlight of the morning Next year, we plan to continue
Finnan & Yolanda Phakela was the participation of reaching in towards our SAMRC
members from the Mitchell’s community, and beyond to the
Plain Diabetes Club, whose communities outside our gates
arking World Diabetes lived experiences grounded the to raise awareness and offer
MDay 2025, the South dialogue in the everyday realities support to those facing the
African Medical Research of managing diabetes. Their challenge of diabetes, either
Council hosted Diabetes contributions emphasised the themselves being diagnosed or a
Unplugged, an open discussion importance of community-driven loved one.
designed to bring real stories, support, reminding attendees
practical advice, and community that information alone is not Be intentional about:
voices to the forefront of enough; people need connection,
diabetes awareness. shared understanding, and 1. Be proactive in self-care.
Make small changes (and stick
The event established spaces to speak openly about with them) to your lifestyle (diet
enthusiastic support and left chronic illness. and physical activity).
organisers encouraged by the Feedback from participants
collective need for continuous revealed a clear theme: there 2. Know your numbers. Test
dialogue. is a critical need for accessible, your blood glucose levels
regularly.
practical, and sustained
The event established engagement on diabetes. Many 3. Taking care of your mental
enthusiastic support expressed frustration at the lack health will help you take care of
your physical health.
of clear, tangible information
and left organisers available in their communities.
encouraged by the Others emphasised how rarely We look forward to keeping this
conversation going and making
collective need for diabetes and mental health are impactful change in diabetes
discussed together, despite the
continuous dialogue. significant emotional strain the awareness, prevention and
condition can create. management.
