Daniel Sher • Clinical Psychologist • Diabetes Focus

25/08/2025

This is such a powerful and needed initiative! Healing starts with these sorts of conversations. Tune in for the next one - I can’t wait!

You asked for it, friends - you got it! ☺️
Please save the date(s) for our monthly Diabetes & Mental Health Club.

Each month will have a different theme, we'll be meeting on Facebook Live, and everyone is invited 💙

02/08/2025

This is huge! Thank you to South Africans with Diabetes

You asked for it, friends - you got it! ☺️
Please save the date(s) for our monthly Diabetes & Mental Health Club.

Each month will have a different theme, we'll be meeting on Facebook Live, and everyone is invited 💙

02/08/2025

Love this reminder! Happy August, everyone 💙

02/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AkR7WvgtQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Leptin, Not Just Insulin, May Hold the Key to Diabetes Treatment

A decade-old discovery is gaining new attention as researchers confirm that leptin, a hormone tied to energy balance, can reverse diabetic ketoacidosis without insulin.

The brain’s misinterpretation of low leptin levels initiates a dangerous metabolic response, leading to hyperglycemia and elevated ketones.

When leptin was administered directly to diabetic rodents, it stabilized their blood sugar long-term.

This suggests the brain—not just the pancreas—plays a pivotal role in regulating diabetes.

Scientists now believe targeting brain pathways could lead to more effective treatments.

Human trials are on the horizon, opening the door to a new paradigm in diabetes management.

15/05/2025

For those to whom this is relevant, highly recommend!

We still have spots available for this transformational workshop and we can't wait to support you on this journey. Contact Gayle on 0829584801 for a screening interview or go to talilanesman.co.za for more information on BWRT. We hope to see you there!

12/05/2025

Ever wanted a one-pager about diabetes that you could share with friends / family / coworkers?
Here you go! 🎁

Download our free Diabetes Fact Sheet on https://sweetlife.org.za/diabeteslookslikeme/

Knowledge is power!

17/03/2025

Another great initiative!

13/03/2025

Great initiative!

05/03/2025

The data is completely unambiguous. If you do one thing today, please sign this petition. Quick and easy; and this will make an important difference to many.

📢 Early CGM Adoption = Better Long-Term Diabetes Control!

A new study published by the American Diabetes Association found that children under 18 who started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) within 6 months of their type 1 diabetes diagnosis had better glucose control (lower HbA1c) after 3 years compared to those who started later or not at all. 💙

We’re calling on South Africa’s National Department of Health to provide CGM access to all children under 18, living with Type 1 Diabetes. Your signature can make this a reality.

📲 Sign the petition and share it far and wide: https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/cgm-access-petition

You can read more about the study by visiting: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009551/ 📖✨

25/02/2025

14/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19vg9ZyM2h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/01/2025

Can Diabetes Increase the Risk of Dementia?

Yes, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of dementia, but the details differ.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, studies show a slightly higher risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia, which is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. The link between Type 1 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease (the most common dementia type) is less clear.

For those with Type 2 diabetes, the risk of dementia is higher overall, especially for vascular dementia. Recent research shows that while the connection between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease is less pronounced, it is still significant, with studies reporting a 56% increased risk of Alzheimer’s among individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Earlier onset of diabetes may also raise the risk further.

Why does this happen? Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase inflammation, which affects the brain over time. Factors like poor blood sugar control or having diabetes in mid-life can raise the risk.

The good news? Managing blood sugar, staying active, eating well, and addressing other health risks can help protect your brain.

Source: Cheng et al. (2012). Relationship between diabetes and dementia: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.