Morgan Masimela tells us why he thinks the government needs to do more, not only in educational programmes but financial support, for diabetes patients.

Morgan Masimela (35) lives in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. He has a 14-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son.

Morgan was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year September. “I was losing weight and had a dry throat every morning and evening. I wasn’t feeling sick and had no pain but decided to go to the clinic. Blood samples were taken. When I went to get my results, to my surprise they put me on two drips and I was told I had to be admitted to hospital where I spent the night in ICU.”

Morgan was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and was prescribed Metformin 850 and insulin.

Things started to make sense now, as a few months earlier Morgan quit his job as a general worker at a feed mill company as he experienced a few blackouts while at work. “My job involved climbing heights and onto trucks. So, I decided to quit as it was dangerous. At that time, I didn’t know what was wrong with me. But after the diagnosis, it was explained as a hypo.”

“Lying in the hospital bed, it was very hard for me to accept. I even cried because I thought it was the end for me. I must admit I still haven’t made peace with it but with the support I get from my partner I’m able to live with it and she is the one who always reminds to take my meds,” Morgan adds.

Since Morgan has been diagnosed, he started exercising; he takes long walks and jogs sometimes.

Financial difficulties

Morgan now volunteers as a radio presenter and content producer. Therefore, income isn’t stable and has a major impact on his management of diabetes. “Honestly, I don’t have a specific diet due to financial constraints. For now, my diet is the only problem I’m faced with. I believe people living with diabetes could live a long and healthy life with a balanced diet but unfortunately not everyone can afford diabetic friendly foods.”

“Sometimes I have to skip taking my medication because I don’t have food to eat. When you are on insulin, you can’t inject and not eat after 30mins, as ordered by the doctor, or you will find yourself suffering with hypoglycaemia which may lead to a coma or even death.”

“Government should also have social grants for people living with diabetes as it can be life-threatening, especially when you get hypoglycaemia.”

Morgan goes on to say, “Responding to your questions has left me emotional as I’m left reflecting on my life before being a diabetic. I really wish there could be educational programmes in the public space, equally as it’s done with HIV, cancer and TB.”