Birthday parties, Halloween, playdates and rugby games… these are the simple joys that define childhood. But for many South African children living with diabetes, those moments come with extra checklists, calculations and quiet worries that most of their friends never have to think about.
“Childhood should be about carefree fun and discovery, not constant health monitoring,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health, a digital health platform that’s helping South Africans take charge of their well-being through early screening and accessible care. “Yet, for thousands of children living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, daily routines are shaped by blood sugar checks, meal planning and the emotional weight of feeling ‘different’.”
While diabetes is often seen as an adult condition, it’s increasingly affecting children and teens – both through the autoimmune form, Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the lifestyle-linked Type 2 diabetes (T2D).
South Africa has experienced a dramatic rise in diabetes rates, climbing from around 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019 among adults, according to BioMed Central. Among children and adolescents across Africa, an estimated 50 600 under the age of 20 are living with Type 1 diabetes. In South Africa, approximately 0.8 in every 100 000 children aged 0–14 are affected – and worryingly, nearly 10% of those developing T1D are never diagnosed.
For Type 2 diabetes, a condition historically linked to adults, the shift is even more concerning. “We’re seeing more young people develop insulin resistance and early-stage Type 2 diabetes due to factors like inactivity, processed diets and excessive sugar intake,” Joffe explains. “These patterns reflect a broader lifestyle crisis that we as a society need to address – not with blame but with education, awareness and support.”
For a child with diabetes, the difference between ‘fitting in’ and ‘feeling different’ often comes down to how their condition is managed and understood by those around them. A slice of birthday cake or a Halloween sweet bag may seem small, but for a child balancing blood sugar levels, these moments can carry real anxiety.
“Children living with diabetes are incredibly resilient,” says Joffe. “What they need most is understanding – from parents, teachers and friends. Something as simple as a classmate saying, ‘It’s okay, you can check your sugar so you can keep playing,’ can make a huge difference.”
Experts agree that education and early detection are critical. Parents should watch for signs such as excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or frequent urination. Encouraging healthy habits – like daily movement, balanced meals and limiting sugary drinks – can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes and help children feel empowered rather than restricted.
“It’s about teaching children that health isn’t about denial – it’s about balance,” Joffe adds. “When kids understand their bodies and feel confident managing their condition, they stop seeing themselves as ‘different’. They see themselves as strong.
She continues, “Technology has changed what it means to live with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring, telehealth consultations and education apps have made it easier for families to track, plan and stay supported. But awareness is still our biggest challenge. Too many children go undiagnosed or unsupported simply because their symptoms are misunderstood.”
Ultimately, Joffe believes the message is simple: “Every child deserves the chance to live fully and freely. Diabetes shouldn’t be a barrier to running, laughing or enjoying life. When we combine awareness, early detection and empathy, we give our children that freedom back.”
Image credit: Unsplash/Brian J. Tromp
