DIABETES | ‘My father was never taught how to use insulin safely’
Health-e News DIABETES | ‘My father was never taught how to use insulin safely’ Managing a chronic condition like diabetes requires clear guidance, but a lack of adequate patient education in local clinics is turning routine daily treatments into dangerous hazards. More than four million South Africans are living with diabetes – a condition characterised by high levels of sugar in the blood. It…
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over four million South Africans, and it can be a life-threatening condition if not managed properly. A community journalist discovered that many patients with diabetes are not receiving adequate training on how to use insulin safely, leading to dangerous consequences. For 63-year-old Sipho Mhlanga, living with diabetes and managing insulin injections has become a frightening experience.
He was never given proper training on how to inject himself and often overdosed without realizing it. This led to seizures and hospitalization, where he learned the importance of adhering to a prescribed schedule. Despite being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2020, managing his condition has become a daily struggle, and his independence has been significantly impacted.
Friends and neighbors have become vital support systems during emergencies, but they too have not received formal training on diabetes management.
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