2023 Diabetes Advocacy Projects
Type 1 focus
Continuing to advocate for CGM / sensors for all Type 1s on medical aid. Working with Partha Kar from NHS who advocated for NICE to cover CGM for all Type 1s in the UK.
Led by: Bridget
Type 2 focus
Diarrhea is a common side-effect of regular metformin, but long-acting metformin (that eliminates this side-effect) isn’t often available in the state sector. For those who need it, this drug can be life-saving, as it means they’ll continue taking their medication - non-compliance (not taking the medication) is an issue when medication makes you feel ill. Finding a way to get long-acting metformin on the state sector formulary.
Led by: Mark
Public focus
This year we connected with the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Diabetes Clinic, where we found that one of their biggest needs is access to a counselling social worker. Many of these young children living with diabetes are exposed to gang violence, gender based violence, poverty and food scarcity. This exposure is impacting their diabetes care because the issues are not being dealt with adequately. We have worked year long on this project and look forward to a counselling social worker starting at the clinic in 2024.
Led by: Kirsten
Diabetes educator focus
Diabetes educator access. Diabetes nurse educators need to be a formally recognised role. The Minister of Health says that whole person wellness is the way to go, and we don’t need specialist diabetes nurses. Prof Joel Dave (who heads up endocrinology at Groote Schuur) says access to diabetes educators will have the biggest impact on the lives of people with Type 2. We would need to negotiate with the Nursing Council to recognise diabetes educators as a separate sub-speciality and advocate for certain posts to be made available in every province.
Alongside this, ensure that medical aids recognise the importance of diabetes educators for all members with diabetes. Highlight exactly how to access diabetes educator sessions for those medical aids who offer it, and call out those who don’t in a media and PR drive.
Volunteer lead needed!
Food insecure households focus
For some people with diabetes, food insecurity is their biggest issue. You shouldn’t take insulin if you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, but you need to take insulin if you have Type 1 diabetes. Food grants and disability grants aren’t available to them, but Lion’s Clubs across South Africa have feeding schemes, and a particular focus on diabetes. What if we connected each public clinic with a specific Lion’s Club so that individuals who are food insecure could have access to their feeding scheme?
Led by: Earl
