Imagine being a child who has to prick their fingers multiple times a day, every day, to manage a life-threatening condition.
Now imagine that child waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat because their blood sugar has dropped dangerously low or worse, being rushed to the hospital because their glucose levels have skyrocketed. For the thousands of children in South Africa living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), this is a daily reality.
A new petition launched by SA Diabetes Advocacy, in partnership with several national diabetes organisations, is calling on the National Department of Health (NDoH) to step in.
The campaign urges the government to prioritise access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for all children under the age of 18 living with T1D. The goal is to make life-saving technology available to the most vulnerable members of society and ensure no child is left behind when it comes to managing their condition.
The daily struggles of living with T1D are no small task. It requires children to monitor their blood sugar levels constantly and inject insulin multiple times a day.
Every meal, snack, or even physical activity requires careful calculation to avoid blood sugar spikes or drops. For children, this burden is especially heavy.
Not only must they endure the physical discomfort of insulin injections and finger pricks, but they also face emotional challenges, such as feeling different from their peers or grappling with the fear of life-threatening complications.
Without proper management, T1D can lead to dangerous conditions like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which, according to a South African study, accounts for 25-50% of hospital admissions related to diabetes.
For families relying on the public healthcare system, this can mean repeated hospital visits, financial strain, and emotional stress.
Why CGM is a game-changer?
Globally, CGM has been hailed as a revolutionary tool for managing T1D.
Unlike traditional fingerstick tests, CGM uses a small sensor placed under the skin to provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night.
This technology allows children and their caregivers to see glucose trends, predict highs or lows, and make timely adjustments to insulin dosages all without the need for constant finger pricks.
It also comes with alarms that alert users to dangerous blood sugar levels, offering peace of mind to families, especially during the night.
Countries like the US, UK, and Australia have already integrated CGM into their public healthcare systems, recognising its benefits for improving health outcomes and quality of life.
Yet in SA, it remains unavailable for children in the public sector, leaving many families reliant on outdated and less effective methods of glucose monitoring.
Barriers to accessing CGM in South Africa
One of the primary barriers to CGM in SA’s public healthcare system is cost. CGM devices are expensive, with sensors needing to be replaced every few weeks. However, research shows that this upfront cost is offset by long-term savings.
A study published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) found that CGM significantly reduces emergency hospital visits for complications like DKA. By preventing severe health crises and improving day-to-day management, CGM can lower overall healthcare costs over time.
In addition to financial benefits, better diabetes management through CGM can help prevent long-term complications such as:
- Kidney disease - a leading cause of dialysis in SA.
- Nerve damage - which can lead to amputations.
- Vision loss - which affects many people with poorly managed diabetes.
Investing in CGM is not just about saving money it’s about saving lives and ensuring that children with T1D can grow up healthy, active, and able to reach their full potential.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, SA Diabetes Advocacy has joined forces with key organisations such as Diabetes SA Sweet Life, Kids Powered by Insulin, and SEMDSA, to push for change.
Their petition which was launched on February 25, 2025, has already garnered over 2,800 signatures, reflecting widespread public support.
“This is not just about numbers; it’s about children’s lives, says Kirsten de Klerk, chairperson of SA Diabetes Advocacy.
Every child deserves access to the tools they need to manage their diabetes effectively, regardless of their family’s income or access to private healthcare.”
The petition is a rallying cry for equality in healthcare, urging the government to recognise CGM as an essential service for children with T1D. Children who manage their diabetes effectively are better able to:
- Participate in school without fear of sudden health crises.
- Avoid missed days due to illness or hospital visits.
- Thrive socially and emotionally, free from the constant stress of managing their condition.
To learn more about this important initiative and sign the petition, visit https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/cgm-access-petition.