In honour of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, we spoke to local nurse and diabetes educator Tracey Coetsee about the realities of living with diabetes and the small changes that can make a big difference.
While medical treatment is essential, living with diabetes is about so much more than medication and check-ups. With more than 20 years in nursing and a passion for empowering people to live healthier lives, Tracey Coetsee recently founded Hello Diabetes Nurse to bridge the gap in local diabetes care.
What challenges do people living with diabetes face?
Living with diabetes means juggling countless small decisions every day: what to eat, when to eat, and how to adjust insulin. It can sometimes feel like a job that never stops.
And beyond the daily routine, there are extra hurdles like dealing with ‘sick days’, keeping blood glucose steady around exercise, and coping with changes brought on by stress, hormones, or travel.
Living with diabetes can take an emotional toll. It’s easy to feel guilty or discouraged when readings don’t go as planned, or to worry about long-term complications. Many people also experience moments of loneliness on the journey. With the rising cost of care, it can feel even more overwhelming.
What many don’t know is that most medical aids cover consultations with a diabetes nurse educator (often two or more sessions each year).
How does education help?
When people understand why things matter, like how food, activity or stress affect their blood sugar, they are empowered to make better decisions. Knowledge builds confidence and confidence leads to consistency and improvements in health.
What are some simple lifestyle changes that can have the biggest impact?
* Choose sparkling water or sugar-free drinks instead of sugary ones.
* Add an extra non-starchy vegetable to every meal.
* Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (for example, 30-minute brisk walk five days a week).
* Focus on small, consistent steps rather than perfection.
How can families support a loved one with diabetes?
Share healthy meals together. A diabetic diet is simply balanced, low GI eating, which is something everyone benefits from. Families can also get active together. Lifestyle changes are easier and more enjoyable when done as a team.
Details: www.hellodiabetesnurse.co.za; tracey@hellodiabetesnurse.co.za;
083 658 2315; IG: @hellodiabetesnurse
