Diabetes emerges as SA’s leading killer, prompting calls for urgent action (opens original article in a new tab)

Diabetes has become South Africa's leading cause of death, with 27,692 fatalities in 2023, prompting calls for urgent government action and increased public health resources.

• Diabetes is South Africa's leading natural cause of death, with 27,692 deaths in 2023
• Diabetes Alliance urges government to declare diabetes a national public health emergency
• Health advocates highlight lack of awareness, late diagnosis, and insufficient resources for diabetes management
• Diabetes disproportionately affects women, with over 16,000 female deaths annually
• Cerebrovascular diseases and hypertensive diseases rank second and third as natural causes of death