Sugar Babe Foundation creates childhood diabetes awareness at annual picnic

THE Sugar Babe Foundation commemorated World Diabetes Day with a fun, family picnic on Saturday, 19 November at Blue Lagoon’s Green Hub.

Dharshan Govender, a 10-year-old who was diagnosed with type one diabetes told Berea Mail, “I’m fine with it now, I’ve been diabetic since I was five years old. It was hard before because I can’t eat stuff like other kids can like chocolates and sweets but I do have half a chocolate on my treat day in the weekend. I take my insulin myself, it doesn’t even hurt!”

Drisha Pillay, mum of another Sugar Babe, seven-year-old Sachiel, said having a diabetic child is a shock at first, but with healthy lifestyle choices for the family as a unit, her son is ‘brave and coping well.’ “I test myself before I go to a party and have to limit my sweets which is my favourite treat,” Sachiel said.

Mayur Ramnarain former Sugar Babe who was diagnosed as a teen and now a volunteer at the Foundation said he remembers how challenging it was when he was diagnosed with diabetes at 16. “It took a while to get used to it and it’s hard to wrap your head around it, so that is why I volunteer and chat to and advise the young Sugar Babes,” he said.

Organiser, Racheal Pillay said the National Diabetes picnic was an annual event which provided a day of fun for young children with diabetes. “Our main focus is to raise awareness of the magnitude of cases in childhood diabetes so that early signs and symptoms can be recognised and medical intervention sought. We have children from newborn to 18 years old who have diabetes and use insulin or pumps,” she said.

Outdoor sporting activities, a jumping castle and a braai ensured the Sugar Babes were entertained, while bikers from OB Bikers and Street Fighters motor cycle clubs created a cool distraction.

The Foundation provides psychosocial support to children with diabetes by hosting events where children and their families can meet, network and participate in games and other activities. “Annual picnics, support groups and overnight camps are some of the activities that teach children to be independent and manage their diabetes and socialise with other children with similar diagnosis,” Pillay explained.

Visit sugarbabe.org.za for more information and to join.