Diabetes is a complex disease but can be treated. Each person is unique and so is their journey living with diabetes. The disease requires continuous management to ensure quality of life and to prevent serious complications that may be life-threatening.
There are three main types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but occurs mostly in children and adolescents. When you have type 1 diabetes, your body produces very little or no insulin, which means that you need daily insulin injections to maintain blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body and is not caused by eating too much sugar. It cannot be cured, and people with Type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin to survive.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes cases. It is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body does not fully respond to insulin. Because insulin cannot work properly, blood glucose levels keep rising, releasing more and more insulin (hyperglycaemia). Type 2 diabetes is also associated with high blood pressure and increased cholesterol and blood fats levels.
Gestational (GDM) is a type of diabetes that consists of high blood glucose during pregnancy and may lead to complications for mother and child. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy, but women and their children are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 are similar and include:
Prevention of diabetes
Intercare healthcare professionals may help with early diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors can also refer to a wide network of diabetes health specialists. The following Intercare health professionals have a special interest in diabetes management.
Browse information on prediabetes, type 2 diabetes prevention, and diabetes management gives people the information they need to safeguard and improve their health. Learn more through the links below.
Dr Henry du Plooy received his medical degree in 1999 from the University of Pretoria and his diving and submarine medicine qualification in 2002. He also completed an MSc in Sports Medicine from the University of Pretoria in 2004. He has special interests in sports medicine, orthopaedics, men’s health, diabetes, and urology
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Dr Dirk Odendaal completed the MBChB at the University of the Free State in 2013. In 2021 he completed a postgraduate diploma in occupational medicine from the University of Stellenbosch, enabling him to perform occupational health assessments. He also holds registration with the Irish Medical Council and is an associate member of the CDE and SA HIV Clinicians Society. Dr Odendaal enjoys all aspects of family medicine and has a keen interest in diabetes and mental health. Besides work, he enjoys hiking, running, and traveling with his wife.
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Dr Annemé van Zyl qualified as a general practitioner (MBChB) from Stellenbosch University in 2008. True to her diverse interests, she has a diploma in anaesthetics from the Colleges of Medicine South Africa and is trained in the provision of lifestyle advice and up-to-date management of hypertension/diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Her other interests include maternal and child health, as well as women's (adolescent) reproductive and sexual health. She is a mother of two, who loves taking her girls to ballet, and enjoys long distance running on weekends.
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Dr Christine Krüger (MBChB) graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2019. She is particularly interested in emergency medicine, paediatrics, women’s health, and aesthetic medicine. Dr Krüger is dedicated to exemplary patient outcomes and following all necessary medical procedures. She focuses on listening to and addressing patient concerns in easy-to-understand terms. She values quality family time and enjoys outdoor activities with her dog.
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Dr Schalk van Staden obtained the MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 1996 and has since worked in private practice for 22 years. He enjoys family medicine and paediatrics, and has a holistic approach to wellness and patient care. Dr van Staden has a particular interest in aesthetics, minor surgery, ADHD treatment, men’s health, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic medicine, specifically diabetes and weight loss. He is passionate about his family and loves playing golf.
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Dr Thembisa Sitsila qualified as a medical practitioner from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She obtained post-graduate qualifications in Occupational Health and HIV Management in the Workplace at the University of Stellenbosch. She worked in the public sector where she was involved with HIV research and management whilst advancing her studies as a Family Practitioner through the University of KwaZulu Natal. Since 2018, she worked in private practice. Her main areas of interest are HIV Management, Emergency Care, Women & Maternal Health and Paediatrics. She also has a passion for public health matters and is currently completing her studies as a Family Practitioner.
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Dr Holford (MBChB) graduated from the University of Free State in 2011. He is very attentive in his approach and strongly believes in effective communication mutually exchanged. He has a special interest in orthopaedics and enjoys golfing in his free time.
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Dr Niel Bosman graduated from the University of Pretoria, whereafter he worked in the community around Polokwane. He has been in private practice since 2018. Dr Bosman believes in a holistic approach to medicine and wellness and that prevention is better than a cure. He is particularly interested in family medicine, paediatrics, developmental medicine, minor surgical procedures, and preventative care. When not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two preschool daughters.
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Dr Ntsako Maphali qualified in 2011 from the University of Pretoria. He received certification in Travel Medicine from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2023 and is an Accredited Travel Medicine Provider. He is passionate about family medicine and has a particular interest in urological and surgery. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and reading.
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Dr William Barnard (MBChB DOH AME) graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1981. He is a CAA accredited senior designated aviation examiner and an occupational health practitioner. Dr Barnard is a very committed, forthright and thorough doctor. In his free time, he enjoys camping, especially in Namibia.
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Dr Michele Brink (MBChB) graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1993. She enjoys all facets of general practise. In her free time she enjoys road running and reading.
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Dr Strydom is a dynamic practising medical practitioner and academic team member at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria. As an Associate Clinical Pharmacologist at the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, he is keenly interested in pharmacogenomics, internal medicine, mental health, academia, clinical trial research, and snakebite management. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor in Medical Sciences (BSc), a Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Masters of Medical Pharmacology (MPharmMed), and a Doctorate (PhD) in the field of snake venom research. His involvement in snake venom research is ongoing, and he is an active member of the National Snakebite Advisory Group of South Africa, where he is deeply dedicated to raising awareness about snakebites and ensuring their proper management. With a strong commitment to precision and a genuine enthusiasm for education, patients can anticipate an empowering and thought-provoking clinical consultation.
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Dr Colin Frye graduated in 2000 from the University of Witwatersrand. He has special interests in paediatrics, men's health and sports medicine. He enjoys endurance events, especially triathlon's, having completed six Ironman 70.3 events and one Ironman 140.6 event.
Dr Charmaine Knoetze graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2010. Dr Knoetze has a particular interest in internal medicine and minor surgical procedures. She is patient-orientated and enjoys educating her patients about their health. She is married, has three children and enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and reading in her spare time.
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Dr Aleatia Burger qualified (MB ChB) in 1997 from the University of Stellenbosch. In 2018, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetes with distinction from the University of South Wales. Her interests include diabetes, preventative medicine, chronic disease management, and women’s health. Dr Burger is a nature lover, food and wine enthusiast and avid scuba diver. She shares her adventures with her husband and children.
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Dr Christa Carlisle graduated (BSc in Genetics & Biochemistry and MB ChB) from the University of Pretoria in 2003 and has been in private practice since. She also has advanced life support certification and has been involved in emergency medicine, but her passion is family medicine. She approaches patient care holistically from a family-centred perspective, with well-being and quality of life as goals in caring for patients. Dr Carlisle is particularly interested in aesthetic procedures focusing on skin rejuvenation and anti-wrinkle procedures. As a mother of three, free time is a luxury; she enjoys being out in the sun, camping, cycling, doing handicrafts, and spending time with her family.
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Dr Paul Merchant obtained the MB ChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 1991. He has been established in Private Practice in the East of Pretoria since 1994. He received Certification in Travel Medicine from The University of the Witwatersrand in 2008 and is an Accredited Travel Medicine Provider. Dr Merchant also has Certification in Aesthetics Medicine. He spends his free time enjoying nature and reading.
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Dr Neo E W Nakedi qualified from the University of Witwatersrand in 2012. She is particularly interested in HIV/AIDS Management, mental health care, and male circumcision, as well as managing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and other related conditions.
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Dr Liam Hoskins graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2018. He firmly believes in an interdisciplinary patient care model encompassing the interconnection between biology, psychology, and socio-economic factors. In addition, he has a keen interest in HIV medicine. Dr Hoskins enjoys being fit and is an avid jazz enthusiast.
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Dr Mamiala completed his medical degree at MEDUNSA in 2010 and acted as CEO/Clinical manager of Aliwal North hospital for some time. He has a passion for primary healthcare and emergency medicine. His interests are HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, and paediatrics.
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Dr Mareliza Jurgens received her degree in 2004 from the University of Pretoria and graduated top of her class. She enjoys family medicine and has a special interest in diabetes medicine.
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Dr Petro van der Merwe graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2000. She has a special interest in general family medicine. She loves travelling and spending time with loved ones.
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Dr Paul Nel graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2010 and joined the Intercare group in May 2016. He completed a diploma in child health from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in 2017.
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Dr Alma Schmidt (MBChB) graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1982. Dr Schmidt has a special interest in diabetes medicine. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
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Dr Liz Cronje graduated in 1987 from the University of Pretoria and is particularly interested in treating asthma. In her free time, Dr Cronje combines her love for her dogs with her enthusiasm for exercise when she takes them for a walk.
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Dr Wiek Labuschagne (MBChB) graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1987 and obtained a postgraduate master's degree in Family Medicine (MMed) in 2001. He is particularly interested in family medicine and the holistic approach to chronic conditions like diabetes. He enjoys hiking and spending time with family and friends in his spare time.
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Dr Paul Vorster qualified from the University of Pretoria in 2007. He spent two years at Baragwanath Hospital and a year at Tshwane District Hospital before entering private medical practice. He has been a general practitioner since 2011 and believes in a holistic approach to medical care. He has a passion for family and sports medicine and focuses on paediatrics, preventative healthcare, chronic and acute medical management, anti-wrinkle treatment (aesthetics), minor surgeries and ADHD. In 2018, he won the health category of The South African Men of the Year Awards, honouring men who make a difference. Dr Vorster enjoys golf and running, completing over 10 Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons. He is a family man who loves spending time with his wife and children.
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Dr Jacques Du Plooy received his medical degree from the University of Pretoria in 2004. He has a special interest in internal medicine. He enjoys spending time with friends and family in his free time.
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Dr Wilma Bergh (MBChB) graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1988. She has special interests in female health and diabetes mellitus. Dr Bergh is also a qualified travel doctor. She enjoys running and cycling in free time and spending time with her family.
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Dr Ina de Beer (BMed Sci, MBChB) graduated from the University of Pretoria. She then received her diploma in Primary Emergency Care. Dr de Beer has a special interest in diabetes medicine.
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Dr Etienne van der Spuy completed his studies in 1988 from the University of Stellenbosch. He obtained his Canadian licence (LMCC) in 1995 whilst working there. He enjoys all aspects of general practice and has recently started trail running in addition to the odd game of golf.
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Dr Brian Beyers graduated (MBChB) from the University of Stellenbosch in 2017 and obtained a diploma in HIV management. He has a particular interest in internal medicine and research. Dr Beyers loves the outdoors, and anything sport related.
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Dr James Botten (MBChB) qualified with his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2013. He is also a qualified dentist and worked in private practice from 2010 to 2013. He enjoys spending time with his family and loves the bushveld.
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Dr Sandhia Nana graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 1988. She completed a post-graduate diploma in diabetes and has a special interest in family medicine and diabetes medicine. She enjoys travelling and spending time with her family in her free time.
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Dr Chelna Marais completed her studies at the University of Stellenbosch. She also has a diploma in obstetrics and anaesthetics. Dr Marais enjoys all aspects of general practice but has special interests in woman’s health, paediatrics and diabetes. She enjoys adventurous travels and spending time with her family and friends during her leisure time.
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Dr Chantal De Pinheiro graduated in 2014 from the University of Witwatersrand. She also has a diploma in Child health and a special interest in paediatrics and diabetes.
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Dr Deon van Heerden obtained the MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2005 and has spent numerous years in subacute and rehabilitation management. He has a particular interest in family medicine, geriatrics, and insurance medicals. Dr van Heerden excels in basic surgical skills with local anaesthesia in procedure rooms and general anaesthesia in theatres at day clinics. He is a dedicated and well-loved general practitioner for whom the well-being of his patients has always been his priority. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his wife and three kids.
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I enjoy all aspects of general practice. I provide care for patients of all ages, but my passion lies with children. I strive to provide a compassionate and caring service that is focused on your child’s individual healthcare needs. One of the pleasures of being a doctor is getting to know patients and hearing their stories. I do my best to understand each patient as an individual. I also have expertise in aesthetic medicine and enjoy combining the improvement of health with the improvement of appearance. I take pride in helping patients achieve beautiful, natural results and being the best version of themselves”. When she isn't caring for our patients she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and afternoon walks with her husband and dog.
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Dr Louise Dreyer (MBChB) graduated from the University of the Free State in 2011. She also received cum laude for her medical degree and was awarded the best medical student of her year. Since then she has developed a special interest in paediatrics and the management of diabetes mellitus.
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Dr Ben Veenemans obtained his B.Sc. (Zoology and Entomology) in 1989 and his MBChB in 1996 at the University of Pretoria. He has been in private practice in Hazyview for 16 years before moving back to Pretoria. Dr Veenemans has special interests in surgery, orthopaedics, and paediatrics. He enjoys outdoor living, archery, nature, and physical exercise
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Dr Elaura Merchant obtained the MB ChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2015. She engages in a holistic approach to patient management. Dr Merchant also has Certification in Aesthetic Medicine. She enjoys nature, hiking, and art.
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Dr Evert Jansen Van Rensburg (MBChB) graduated from the University of Stellenbosch. He enjoys the variety of general practice and building a trusting and longlasting relationship with his patients. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors and cooking.
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Dr Marlene Ebersohn obtained the MBChB degree with distinction from the University of Pretoria in 2012. She also completed a B.Sc Dietetics degree with distinction at the North-West University in 2004. She has a particular interest in children’s health and diabetes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls.
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Dr Coetzee obtained the MBChB degree at the University of Pretoria and the Dip PEC(SA) at the Colleges of Medicine SA. She holds a master’s degree in diabetes from the University of South Wales (UK) and has completed numerous other courses, including Advanced Life Support. She has extensive experience as a flight doctor and worked in several trauma units and diabetes clinics. Dr Coetzee has a particular interest in diabetes, obesity, emergency medicine, and chronic illness care. She enjoys reading in her free time.
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Dr Ramjee finished a Bachelor of Science and medical degree at Wits University in 1993. After graduating he worked at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg for 2 years before pursuing a career in Family Medicine. He relocated to Cape Town and has been in private practice since 1998. He also held a part-time lecturer post at the University of Cape Town Family Medicine Division for many years. In 2005 he obtained a Family Medicine Diploma cum laude from Stellenbosch University. In 2018 he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetes with distinction from the University of South Wales. Dr Ramjee is also a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians (South Africa). In 2016 he joined the Intercare group practice in Cape Town where he works as a Family Physician. Dr Ramjee also serves on the Intercare Clinical Advisory Committee.
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Dr Christa de Wit obtained the MBChB degree cum laude from the University of Stellenbosch and has an honours degree in pharmacology. She completed a Foundation Course in the care of type 2 diabetes from the Centre of Diabetes and Endocrinology and is particularly interested in this field. Dr de Wit also completed courses in aesthetic medicine and offers Botox™ treatments. She enjoys performing minor in-room surgical procedures, including excision of small skin lesions and cysts.
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Dr Rika van Aswegen graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2000. She holds certifications in advanced adult and paediatric life support and worked in emergency medicine for 15 years, locally and abroad. She is passionate about assisting patients with their treatment and recovery from illness and has a particular interest in acute medicine, trauma, orthopaedics, psychiatry, and paediatrics. She loves reading and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.
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Dr Charline Kemp (MBChB, MFam Med, Dip Obst SA) graduated from the University of the Free State. She is particularly interested in paediatrics and family medicine. Dr Kemp enjoys nature and listening to music in her leisure time.
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Dr Fumani Maswanganyi obtained the MB ChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2014. He is particularly interested in preventative medicine, paediatrics, and minor surgical procedures.
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Dr Lauren van Niekerk qualified with distinction from the University of Pretoria in 2014. She has a passion for people and optimising their general health. She believes in addressing patient problems and concerns holistically and not just managing the symptoms itself. Dr Lauren has a special interest in children’s health, women's health, and acute medicine. In addition, she also enjoys performing minor procedures under local anaesthesia. In her free time, she cherishes spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons.
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Dr Patricia Zondo completed her MBChB at the University of the Free State in 2017. She has experience in emergency medicine as well as acute physical rehabilitation. Dr Zondo completed a course on ECG interpretation as well as a course on the management of spinal cord injuries. She has a special interest in health education, illness prevention and early detection and management of chronic illnesses. She enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family in her free time. She also partakes in a mentorship program for high school learners.
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Dr Aretha Zondagh obtained her MBBCh at Wits in 2018 with distinction. She has extensive experience in musculoskeletal conditions, having worked as a physiotherapist for eight years prior to qualifying as a general practitioner. Dr Zondagh is passionate about evidence-based medicine and has a particular interest in female health, hypertension, diabetes, and HIV treatment. She offers first-trimester pregnancy ultrasound screenings, wellness check-ups and intravenous drip therapies. She is a mother and wife at home and enjoys quality family time.
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Dr Francin Booysen graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2017. She also obtained a diploma in HIV Management in 2021 & a diploma in Internal Medicine. Dr Booysen is passionate about treating acute illnesses and improving the management of chronic medical conditions in patients such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, HIV, and mental health conditions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she worked as a frontline doctor treating critically ill patients. Dr Booysen enjoys long-distance running and spending time with her family in her free time.
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Dr Pieter Snyman graduated (MBChB) from the University of Pretoria in 2001. He worked as a Medical Officer in Orthopaedics at a Military Hospital until 2006. During this time, he also studied Sports Medicine at the University of Pretoria. Since 2006, Dr Snyman has been a general practitioner with special interests in orthopaedics, sports medicine, diabetes, paediatrics, dermatology, men’s health, and geriatrics. He also performs various minor procedures such as the removal of warts and moles, as well as limited ultrasounds. Dr Snyman enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fly fishing with his wife and three children.
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