November is Diabetes Month. While the headlines often highlight rising numbers, awareness alone isn’t enough. To truly impact outcomes, we must move from information to action, empowering individuals and organisations to take proactive steps toward prevention.
At ASI Financial Services, we see health as a shared opportunity. Prioritising prevention builds resilience and creates thriving environments.
The rising tide of diabetes
Globally, over 500 million adults live with diabetes, and South Africa is no exception. While type 2 diabetes which accounts for over 90% of cases is most commonly discussed, it’s important to recognise other forms of diabetes as well:
While around 90% of diabetes cases are Type 2, it is important to note that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, also contributes to the overall disease burden and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child. Other less common forms, such as monogenic diabetes (caused by single-gene mutations) and secondary diabetes (resulting from other medical conditions or medications), are also recognised types of diabetes.
Many assume diabetes only affects overweight or inactive individuals, but type 1, gestational, and other forms of diabetes demonstrate that anyone can be at risk. Genetics, family history, and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) all play significant roles.
Understanding risk across age and lifestyle
While anyone can develop diabetes, certain factors increase vulnerability:
- Age: The risk rises from age 40 and increases further after 60, although lifestyle changes are causing an earlier onset in adults in their 30s.
- Lifestyle factors, including sedentary behaviour, poor nutrition, and obesity, remain major contributors. Urbanisation and processed foods accelerate insulin resistance in younger adults.
- Genetics & family history: A family history of diabetes increases the likelihood, even in individuals who maintain a healthy weight.
- Gender: Men are slightly more prone to type 2 diabetes due to fat distribution and hormonal differences. Worldwide, an estimated 17.7 million more men than women have diabetes mellitus. Women appear to bear a greater risk factor burden at the time of their type 2 diabetes diagnosis, especially obesity. Moreover, psychosocial stress might play a more prominent role in diabetes risk in women. Across their lifespan, women experience greater hormone fluctuations and body changes due to reproductive factors than men.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthcare, education, and wellness programmes heightens risk, particularly in high-stress, low-activity environments.
Prevention in action: Employee benefits that work
Knowing your risk is just the start, prevention happens when organisations offer real tools and support. More companies are now investing in comprehensive wellness plans to help employees develop healthy habits and identify risks early.
- Preventive screenings: Regular blood sugar and metabolic health checks catch warning signs before complications arise. Early detection can prevent or delay serious outcomes such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.
- Nutrition & lifestyle support: Access to dieticians, fitness programmes, and wellness workshops encourages sustainable, healthy habits. Interestingly, even small, consistent changes, such as increasing daily movement or reducing sugary beverages, can reduce the risk over time.
- Education & awareness: Teaching employees about the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and emerging risk factors empowers them to make informed choices. For instance, research shows that diabetes can accelerate cognitive decline and affect immune response, underscoring the value of lifestyle management even before diagnosis.
- Incentive programmes: Recognition and rewards for wellness participation reinforce positive behaviour, turning prevention into a culture rather than a requirement.
“Prevention isn’t just a health strategy, it’s a leadership imperative,” says Justine Koekemoer. Justine further states that “When we invest in wellbeing, we invest in people, productivity, and long-term resilience.”
Workplace wellness and access
Employers and medical schemes can make a real difference by offering screenings, covering preventive care, and promoting health literacy. Early detection and lifestyle change can cut healthcare costs by up to five (5) times compared to managing advanced diabetes. More importantly, these steps improve quality of life.
Beyond cost, the benefits of prevention are increasingly clear: studies show that proactive interventions can lower the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, even in employees who have not yet been diagnosed.
This Diabetes Month, take the next step: assess your risk, encourage your workplace to prioritise prevention, and advocate for accessible wellness initiatives. Everyone can play a role start today.
For more insights on employee wellness, preventative health strategies, and how organisations can build healthier, more resilient workplaces, follow ASI Financial Services on LinkedIn and stay connected with our latest updates.