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

Did you know that prediabetes is a condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes? It usually occurs in individuals with insulin resistance or those not producing enough insulin. According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey, 64% of women and 66% of men fall into the prediabetes range.

In this episode podcast host, Dr Darren Green is joined by Dr Lior Sareli, a specialist in diabetes and cardiovascular work. Listen to this fascinating discussion on pre-diabetes, particularly in South Africa and learn how to incorporate lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss which are crucial for managing pre-diabetes and preventing its progression to Type 2 diabetes. In a world where so many of us have a sedentary lifestyle, this is an opportunity to understand what action you can take now to improve health and quality of life.

Some notable moments:

[00:06:23] Advice for prediabetics

[00:07:51] Early, middle and late signs of pre-diabetes

[00:09:29] Immediate changes to reduce insulin resistance

[00:10:54] Medications for pre-diabetes

[00:14:20] Nutritional advice to assist in pre-diabetes

[00:16:00] Healthy lifestyle and habits

[00:18:30] How a dietician could help manage prediabetes

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. Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes - NIDDK
5. The latest prediabetes stats in South Africa - South Africans with Diabetes
6. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016_Stats SAS, SAMRC & ICF_Final Report.pdf
7. Free Healthy Food Guide: how to eat healthy with diabetes or to lose weight
8. Let's talk about diabetes and food - South Africans with Diabetes

Transcript.pdf

What is gestational diabetes? And how does it happen? In this episode podcast host, Dr Darren Green chats with Dr. Renardo Lourens, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, who specialises in the treatment of women who develop gestational diabetes. It’s a condition that occurs during pregnancy in women without pre-existing diabetes and is linked to insulin resistance.

You’ll hear how to successfully manage gestational diabetes through lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a balanced diet as well as learning about the importance of testing for gestational diabetes to reduce complications during pregnancy and birth. Did you know that gestational diabetes may also indicate pre-existing diabetes? And that it’s advisable to continue management of this condition post-pregnancy. Learn about the need for supplements like folic acid, iron, and calcium during pregnancy, and the role of gut health in preventing gestational diabetes. Having gestational diabetes can be daunting, but hopefully this episode will give you peace of mind that you can deliver a healthy baby and have a healthy life post-partum.

Some notable moments:

[00:02:55]: The perspective of someone who dealt with gestational diabetes

[00:06:03]: Guilt around gestational diabetes

[00:08:37]: Warning signs of gestational diabetes

[00:11:18]: Mediclinic helpline

[00:12:12]: What can pregnant women do to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

[00:18:20]: Different tests for gestational diabetes

[00:21:30]: Managing gestational diabetes

[00:24:26]: Supplements you can take for gestational diabetes support

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. Gestational Diabetes | CDC
5. Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes - NIDDK
6. Gestational Diabetes and the Offspring: Implications in the Development of the Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring - PMC
7. Managing gestational diabetes - South Africans with Diabetes
8. www.facebook.com/diabeticsouthafricans

Transcript.pdf

According to the International Diabetes Federation 90% of people with diabetes are living with Type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Dr.Green emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing Type 2 diabetes, highlighting its prevalence and the need for lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Dr. Green talks to Dr. Marius Wasserfall in another jam-packed episode, as they explore the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, and the importance of regular blood glucose testing. Amazingly, with proper management it is possible to reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes. In this episode you’ll hear practical tips for managing sugar intake, the importance of healthy eating habits and of portion control.

Some notable moments:

[00:03:57]: Genetic and environmental factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes

[00:05:55]: Challenges of managing Type 2 diabetes

[00:07:05]: Practical tips for managing sugar intake

[00:09:18]: Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes?

[00:15:15]: Early identifiers of diabetes

[00:17:24]: Diabetes education and diet

[00:20:20]: Understanding sugar addiction

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 2 Diabetes
5. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
6. Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
7. What is TEEL? A simple way to manage your diabetes.
8. Sugar addiction an advertising and healthcare crisis

Transcript.pdf

According to the International Diabetes Federation 10% of people with diabetes are living with Type 1. In this episode we highlight the complexities of living with Type 1 diabetes, including the need for daily insulin injections, the challenges of maintaining stable blood glucose levels, and the mental health challenges faced by people with Type 1.

Dr. Marius Wasserfall, a specialist physician in private practice at Mediclinic Panorama, joins podcast host, Dr Darren Green to provide us with insights into the causes of Type 1 diabetes, its management, and the role of technology in monitoring and controlling blood glucose levels. Find out why family support is so critical for Type 1 diabetics and the keys to following a holistic approach in the treatment of this condition.

Some notable moments:

[00:05:06]: Causes of Type 1 diabetes

[00:09:50 ]: Technology in diabetes management

[00:13:47]: Importance of family support

[00:14:34]: Understanding diabetes burnout

[00:16:19]: More thoughts on the use of technology in diabetes

[00:24:54]: Diabetes and mental health

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)

1. 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
2. Diabetes Support at Mediclinic Hospitals (clinics and support groups, please visit Mediclinic webpage and search for Diabetes Support – www.mediclinic.co.za
3. Type 1 Diabetes
4. Type 1 Diabetes Index
5. Symptoms of low blood sugar: how it feels to go low
6. Diabetes distress and burnout: what to do about it?

Diabetes burnout: a common but neglected impact of diabetes - T1International

Transcript.pdf

What’s the craziest pregnancy myth you’ve heard? They can range from extremely outlandish to surprisingly effective and we’re here to demystify them. 

Join us on a pregnancy myth-busting mission with obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Avril Moodley, in this episode of The Health Wrap Trying To Conceive Series. We want to know which of these funny and strange stories are rooted in truth.

From conception-aiding activities and recommended foods and tips for giving birth, this episode is jam-packed with helpful information for anyone planning for parenthood. 

If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure you do so that you don’t miss any future Mediclinic seasons. This podcast is produced by 2Stories for Mediclinic, written by Linda Scarborough, produced by Carol Williams with audio editing, engineering, and sound design by Kozi Mzimela and Jordyn Toohey. 

Skip to the good parts:

[00:02:29] Examples of some crazy pregnancy myths.

[00:06:36] How pregnancy and delivery is depicted on screen vs. in real life. 

[00:09:38] The best place to get information on your path to pregnancy.

[00:12:58] Activities, rituals and food that help with conception. 

[00:14:15] The link between diet and fertility. 

[00:16:16] How the pH of the vagina influences the gender of the baby.

[00:19:14] Food and drinks to be careful about when pregnant.

[00:22:36] Does intense heartburn during pregnancy mean your baby has a full head of hair?

[00:24:27] If you’ve had a baby, is it true that you won’t have trouble conceiving again?

[00:26:07] Is there such a thing as secondary infertility?

[00:27:55] Can a woman have vaginal birth if they’ve had a caesarean section? 

Links you should know about: 

Email your suggestions & questions to mediclinicbaby@mediclinic.co.za

Sign Up for Mediclinic Prime: https://forms.mediclinic.co.za/prime

The Mediclinic Baby App: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicbaby/mediclinic-baby-app.html

Transcript.pdf