Chantelle vd Merwe Dietitians
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • FEES
  • ESSENTIAL NEWS
  • CONTACT
  • Diabetes. Living Well Blog
  • Healthy Living Blog
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • FEES
  • ESSENTIAL NEWS
  • CONTACT
  • Diabetes. Living Well Blog
  • Healthy Living Blog

Healthy Living & Eating with Diabetes

Diabetes Awareness Month: Breaking Stigma, Building Support

11/8/2025

0 Comments

 

Author: Chantelle van der Merwe 

Registered Dietitian (SA) . PG Dip Diabetes Management (UK). All about Real nutrition for Real, every-day life ​

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and on 14 November, we wear blue to mark World Diabetes Day — a day to raise awareness, show support, and stand in solidarity with everyone living with diabetes. This month is about more than just awareness — it’s about breaking the stigma. Too often, people with diabetes face judgment, misinformation, or fear-driven advice that makes managing their condition even harder. It’s time to change that conversation.

As Diabetes Advocates, we’re on a mission to share accurate, science-based nutrition information and empower individuals to manage diabetes with confidence — without judgment or unnecessary restriction. Healthy living should be realistic, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone — not a luxury or a punishment.

We say no to fear-mongering about food and yes to practical, flexible eating that fits real life. We believe healthy living is possible on a budget, and that the key to long-term success lies in understanding, support, and compassion.

And here’s where you come in — this conversation needs your voice!
👉 Join us on Instagram on our page (@chantelle_diabeteshealth) dedicated to diabetes management, where we’re creating a safe, supportive space for open conversations. Managing diabetes isn’t always easy, and you’ll find others sharing their honest experiences — from navigating food choices to dealing with the rising cost of treatment and care.

You’re not alone in this journey — and every shared story helps someone else feel seen, heard, and supported.  Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with the right information, guidance, and community, it becomes a journey you don’t have to walk alone. Together, we can make life with diabetes a little easier — one meal, one step, and one conversation at a time.

So, this November, wear blue, join the conversation, and help us shine a light on diabetes awareness. Let’s support, educate, and empower — because living well with diabetes is absolutely possible.
Picture
0 Comments

Are you newly diagnosed with diabetes? : Here is where you can start

4/29/2023

0 Comments

 

Author: Chantelle van der Merwe

​Registered Dietician (SA) PG Dip Diabetes Management (UK) . All about simplifying and individualizing nutritional therapy for diabetes management

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it is understandable to feel a range of emotions, including confusion, fear, and uncertainty. However, as a registered dietitian, whose practice focuses on diabetes management, I want you to know that you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to manage your condition effectively.

As your dietitian, here is what I WANT for you:
  1. Optimal and Confident Diabetes Management: I want you to feel confident in managing your diabetes, knowing that you have the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
  2. Active Involvement in Your Management: Diabetes management is a team effort, and I want you to be an active participant in your own care. Together, we can work to establish a personalized plan that meets your unique needs and lifestyle.
  3. Fearless Living: I want you to live your life without fear of the future or unknown. With the right guidance, you can manage your diabetes and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
  4. A Support System: Managing diabetes can be challenging, but it is important to have a support system in place. As your dietitian, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Here is what I DON’T WANT for you:
  1. Feeling Powerlessness: I don't want you to feel powerless or overwhelmed, causing you to give up on managing your diabetes. It may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and support, you can manage your condition effectively.
  2. Feeling Alone: I don't want you to feel isolated or alone in managing your diabetes. It is important to have a team of healthcare professionals, friends, and family members who can support you through this journey.

​Together, we can optimize your diabetes management with scientifically sound and evidence-based advice. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. Remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and with the right care, you can successfully manage your diabetes and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Picture
0 Comments

    Chantelle vd Merwe RD (SA)
    Post Grad. Diabetes Management (UK)

    Dietitian dedicated to making diabetes management simple,
    ​realistic, and sustainable.

    Archives

    November 2025
    October 2025
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023

    Categories

    All
    Blood Glucose Targets
    Foods To Avoid With Diabetes
    Food To Regulate Blood Sugar
    Insulin Resistance
    Insulin Therapy
    Low GI
    Low Glycaemic Load
    Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes
    Pre Diabetes
    Pre-diabetes
    Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
    Professional Help For Diabetes Management
    Type 2 Diabetes Remission

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn

Location

What Our Clients Are Saying

"So happy and thankful to Chantelle to have had her be part of my journey, without her I would not have been as successful as I was." - Gayle , diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes 

"Chantelle is industrious in researching the answer, and applying it to suit my specific needs. Since working with her, I have noticed considerable improvements in my mental, physical, and emotional health relating to food. " - Sungeni , wanted to optimize her health with better nutrition 

"
Chantelle is amazing at understanding exactly where you are, and adjusting treatment accordingly. Her compassion and patience is amazing, and I genuinely feel that she partners with me in my nutrition and health" - Danielle , wanted help with weight loss 

"
The sympathy, empathy she works with is phenomenal. It just motivates you to talk to someone that understand your challenge. I am on my path to lose 30kg, it is surely not happening overnight. However, my journey with Chantelle is making every centimeter I lose absolutely worth to take on the next one to shake off." - Sonja, wanted help with weight loss post heart attack 

Contact Us

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
Privacy Policy 2025
​PAIA Manual 2025
POPIA Manual 2025
Website Terms & Conditions 2025 
Website Disclaimer 2025