From diagnosis to dialogue: the role of books in changing the diabetes narrative

Every year on November 14, the world observes World Diabetes Day, a global health campaign dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most pressing chronic conditions of our time.

Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation in partnership with the World Health Organisation, the day was later recognised by the United Nations in 2006.

It serves as a reminder that diabetes is not only a medical condition but a public health and social issue that affects millions of lives. 

The goal of World Diabetes Day is to encourage prevention, improve access to care and foster education about diabetes.

The focus also includes promoting early diagnosis and healthy living to prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage.

In South Africa, the day takes on particular importance, as rising diabetes rates have made it one of the country’s leading causes of death.

The campaign also offers a platform to talk about access to care, affordability of medication and lifestyle education - issues that continue to challenge communities across the country.

While medical research, awareness campaigns and support groups remain central to fighting diabetes, a growing movement is taking shape through an unexpected medium - books.

Across genres and languages, books are helping shift the conversation about diabetes from diagnosis to dialogue.

Books are increasingly being used as tools for empowerment, education and emotional connection. They go beyond explaining blood sugar levels and diet charts.

Instead, they give readers real stories, practical insights and emotional guidance. They help people living with diabetes feel seen and supported, while educating their families and communities about what it truly means to live with the condition.

For readers, books provide reliable information written in an accessible language. They offer advice on nutrition, exercise and stress management, as well as emotional resilience.

For many South Africans, who may not have easy access to specialised healthcare, these books can serve as trusted companions in their health journey.

The books worth checking out include:

“Low-Carb Express” by Vickie de Beer

In “Low-Carb Express”, De Beer shows that with a little planning and better time management, it is possible to cook quick, healthy meals that benefit both your family’s well-being and your budget. The book encourages readers to plan meals based on the time they have available.

Whether it’s five minutes to make a nutrient-rich egg scramble or an immune-boosting smoothie, or half an hour to prepare a low-carb bobotie or cupcakes, she demonstrates that healthy eating does not have to be time-consuming.

With recipes that take between five and thirty minutes to prepare, the book makes nutritious cooking achievable for everyone.

“Delicious, Modern, Healthy Recipes for Diabetes” by Leanne Katzenellenbogen

Katzenellenbogen’s book offers balanced meals, wholesome snacks and even occasional desserts designed to help manage blood sugar levels.

The book promotes gradual, sustainable changes to eating habits, with every recipe listing nutritional information per serving to help readers monitor carbohydrate, protein and fat intake.

Covering everything from breakfast ideas to dishes for entertaining, Katzenellenbogen’s recipes are simple, contemporary and aligned with modern healthy eating trends - perfect for anyone seeking easy, everyday meals that support better health.

Global titles such as "The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally” by Dr Jason Fung and "Say No to Diabetes" by Patrick Holford are also widely available in South Africa, offering additional perspectives on prevention and management.