"I Would Rather Live with Diabetes than HIV" — Really?
By Anna Miti
On X (formerly Twitter), a user recently sparked thousands of comments with a simple but provocative claim- "I would rather live with HIV than diabetes, because diabetes is a far harder disease to live with." They reasoned that they had never seen anyone on antiretroviral treatment looking anything less than healthy, yet had watched a close family member, despite faithfully taking his diabetes medication, lose a leg to amputation. Commentators pushed back, pointing out that neither illness is a matter of choice. "Just choose to be healthy," some said.
The exchange captured something real- while HIV awareness and information are now relatively widespread, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes still receive far less attention despite affecting a significant share of Zimbabwe's population. To address this gap, the Merck Foundation, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, organised a Health Media Training in September to raise awareness of diabetes, hypertension, and infertility, and to urge journalists to report on these issues more consistently.
A recent study found that approximately 14.3% of Zimbabweans reported being diagnosed with at least one NCD, with hypertension and diabetes showing prevalence rates of 10.8% and 2.2%, respectively.
Living with Diabetes
"Diabetes is an expensive condition," says Mrs. Grace Choga, who was diagnosed more than 15 years ago and has been on chronic medication for over a decade. "Besides the medication, I need glucose strips to regularly check my blood sugar, plus periodic check-ups with the doctor. On top of that, there are special dietary requirements that cost more than ordinary food."
One of the biggest dangers, she says, is not knowing you have diabetes at all. "That's what happened to my mother. Despite symptoms like excessive thirst and weight loss, she didn't know she was diabetic until she suddenly went into a diabetic coma and died ten days later in hospital."
At the training, Dr. Mohsin Sidat, a medical doctor from Mozambique, outlined common diabetes symptoms, which are excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive appetite (polyphagia), excessive urination (polyuria), unexplained weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. Left unmanaged, he warned, diabetes can seriously damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. He stressed the importance of early detection, particularly for people with a family history of the disease, given its genetic risk factors. He also said early detection is also important for hypertension and regular testing should be encouraged.
Stigma and Misunderstanding
Nyasha Moyo (not her real name), 26, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14.
"There's a joke I hate that diabetes 'runs in the family because no one runs in the family.' Whenever people find out I have it and see that I'm a bit bigger than others, they assume I'm just a 'fat slob' who deserves it. Others jump straight into giving me dietary and exercise advice. I know they mean well, but they make so many assumptions."
Dr. Sidat explained the distinction between the two types. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells, so the body makes little or no insulin. In Type 2, the more common form globally, including across much of Africa, the body's cells become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas eventually can't keep up with demand.
While a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, he noted it isn't the only one. Genetics play a significant role, where having a parent with diabetes increases one's own risk, alongside factors like smoking, hypertension, age (45+), and ethnicity (Black African and African Caribbean people face higher risk). Gestational diabetes, which affects pregnant people, is another form entirely.
Chronic Illness Fatigue
Nyasha began injecting insulin at 14, and admits that at points she grew exhausted by the demands of living with the condition — exhausted enough to contemplate suicide.
"I was tired of not being able to live like other kids. I couldn't go to boarding school or visit relatives for extended periods, because my parents worried other people wouldn't recognise the signs of low or high blood sugar, or know what to do during an episode. I hate being shamed for carrying snacks everywhere in case of low blood sugar. People just think I'm always eating because I'm fat."
Mrs. Choga echoes this frustration. "People assume you're lazy and using diabetes as an excuse, not realising fatigue is one of the condition's actual effects. Some even accuse us of 'bragging' when we mention it. It gets exhausting, constantly having to explain yourself."
What Needs to Change
Nyasha wants to see more psychosocial support for people living with diabetes — support she says is critical given how stressful the condition can be, particularly for younger patients, and one that should extend to caregivers too, who face their own challenges.
Mrs. Choga is calling on the government to subsidise diabetes-related costs such as cheaper glucose strips, free healthcare in marginalised and rural areas, and greater access to specialists like nutritionists and internal medicine physicians who can help detect and manage complications such as neuropathy. She also hopes diagnostic testing becomes more widely accessible.
Dr. Prince Mangwiro, responding to questions from journalists, emphasised prevention. He said regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine check-ups remain the most effective tools against Type 2 diabetes. "Avoid sugary and overprocessed foods," he added. "Even a 30-minute walk, three times a week, goes a long way toward a healthier lifestyle."
Whether diabetes is "harder" to live with than HIV misses the point the debate itself proves that both are chronic, both are stigmatised in different ways, and both deserve to be talked about accurately and without judgment.
diabetes in Zimbabwe
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