In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, Dr Darren Green speaks to Mediclinic nephrologist Dr Mitesh Singh about how to prevent kidney disease and how to improve your quality of life if you’ve already been diagnosed with it.

Diabetes is a condition that doesn’t just impact the body, but the whole person and mental health is an important aspect to consider when it comes to the holistic approach to diabetes. In this episode, podcast host, Dr Darren Green and Psychologist Daniel Sher explore the complex interplay between diabetes and mental health, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to managing diabetes.

Daniel Sher, specializes in diabetes-focused psychotherapy and is himself a diabetic and so his empathic advice hits the mark and gives a view into what diabetics go through on a daily basis is the voice of empathy who specializes in diabetes-focused psychotherapy. Daniel emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of diabetes, including its psychological, biological, and social impacts, and offers advice on how to support individuals with diabetes. This includes strategies for mental wellness and coping with diabetes burnout. This one is not to be missed!

Some notable moments:

[00:00:44] The complexity of diabetes management

[00:04:53] Daniel's background and specialisation

[00:05:42] The Link between mental health and diabetes

[00:09:08] Advice for loved ones of diabetics

[00:11:11] Holistic approach to diabetes management

[00:19:03] How being vulnerable about your diagnosis can be liberating.

[00:21:45] Closing Thoughts

Links you should know about:

1. Mediclinic webpage – searching under Health Library https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/health-knowledge-library.html https://www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za/ (user can enter Diabetes or Type 1 search option to obtain more articles on the section of Diabetes)
2. To make a doctor’s appointment with a Mediclinic doctor follow this link https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html
3. Diabetes Support at Mediclinic Hospitals (clinics and support groups, please visit Mediclinic webpage and search for Diabetes Support – www.mediclinic.co.za
4. Mental Health: Living with Type 1 | ADA
5. How to access public mental health services | GroundUp
6. Dealing With Diabetes Burnout | CDC
7. Diabetes distress and burnout: what to do about it?
8. How to reframe high and low blood glucose for better mental health

Transcript.pdf

It’s difficult to imagine a child or teenager having to deal with the realities of diabetes and yet for many families that is their reality. In this episode, Dr Darren Green speaks to Pediatrician Dr Lerato Motjale about the critical aspects of managing diabetes in young children, emphasizing the distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, while type 2 is hereditary and can be influenced by lifestyle factors.

You’ll hear expert insights into managing diabetic children, emphasizing the role of a supportive diabetes team, including primary doctors, diabetes nurses, and dieticians. It can be a real challenge managing diabetes in school, so you’ll find out more about the need for teacher education and the importance of having a glucose-rich emergency kit available for children. If you’re a parent of a diabetic or have a diabetic child in your life, then this episode will be educational and encouraging.

Some notable moments:

[00:00:27]: Types of Diabetes

[00:01:41]: Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children

[00:04:40]: Managing a child with diabetes from a parent’s perspective

[00:06:06]: What role does a peadatrcian play in a child’s diagnosis

[00:12:41]: The role a school plays in assisting your child who has diabetes

[00:13:58]: Managing hypo’s in children can be challenging

[00:22:00]: How puberty affects a child with diabetes

[00:23:47]: Making use of support centres such as diabetes camps

Links you should know about:

1. Mediclinic webpage – searching under Health Library https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/health-knowledge-library.html https://www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za/ (user can enter Diabetes or Type 1 search option to obtain more articles on the section of Diabetes)
2. To make a doctor’s appointment with a Mediclinic doctor follow this link https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/find-a-doctor/doctor-appointments.html
3. Diabetes Support at Mediclinic Hospitals (clinics and support groups, please visit Mediclinic webpage and search for Diabetes Support – www.mediclinic.co.za
4. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children
5. Evaluation and Management of Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Position Statement by the American Diabetes Association
6. The Type 1 Diabetes Guidebook - for parents
7. www.youthwithdiabetes.com
8. Kids Powered by Insulin Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/126822160665767
9. South Africans with Diabetes - www.facebook.com/diabeticsouthafricans

Transcript.pdf