Bernadette Gibbs – I’m not allowed to eat anything green

Bernadette Gibbs tells us how eating healthy can be an obstacle due to her not allowed to eat certain foods as she is on warfarin.

Bernadette Gibbs (53) lives in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

In December 2022, Bernadette Gibbs was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She consulted with a GP as her hair was breaking and falling out and she was always thirsty.

She was prescribed metformin and advised to make lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and healthier food choices. “When I heard I had Type 2 diabetes, it took about a week for me to come to terms with it, reassuring myself that it could have been worse,” Bernadette explains.

“My nephew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was seven years old. He is now 20. It’s been a long and tough journey for him and our family’s emotions, and I always have to remember what he has been through and still goes through, compared to my diagnosis. Thankfully, my nephew is extremely supportive, he always asks how I’m doing and constantly reminds me to take my meds.”

Diet is an obstacle

“Honestly, food is a tough one as I’m on warfarin (blood thinner) as well, and there’s lots I’m not allowed to eat, like anything green (so no green veggies). But, I try my best to eat as healthy as I can. Thankfully, my family supports me by all trying to eat healthy. We all look out for each other, and check up on each other, especially when one of us isn’t well.”

Bernadette says she has never been into keeping fit but she does walk often and takes each day as it comes.

Working at DSA

Bernadette started working at Diabetes South Africa head office in July 2023. Her duties involved administration. “My sister has been involved with the DSA Cape Town branch for a while due to my nephew having diabetes. She told me about the opening of a job and I applied and got it. I’m grateful for the opportunity I have been given as of course to work for an organisation that is doing good work in the diabetes community.”