36-Year-Old Teacher Dies from Diabetes Doctors Say Was Triggered by Everyday Foods — Here’s What You Need to Know
It was a normal Monday morning when 36-year-old high school teacher Thandiwe Mokoena collapsed in her classroom in Johannesburg. What followed shocked her family and stunned her students: she had gone into a diabetic coma and sadly passed away hours later in the hospital.
But what left doctors even more concerned was the cause behind her rapidly worsening diabetes — it wasn’t genetics or age. It was her daily diet, packed with seemingly innocent foods we all eat.
The Everyday Foods That Triggered Her Diabetes
Thandiwe wasn’t overweight. She didn’t drink or smoke. But her diet was loaded with processed and refined foods that slowly overloaded her pancreas over time.
Doctors later revealed that the biggest triggers were:
- Flavored yogurts loaded with hidden sugars
- Fruit juices and energy drinks consumed every morning
- White bread and processed cereal eaten for breakfast
- Sweetened teas and store-bought sauces
- Frequent consumption of “low-fat” snacks with high sugar content
According to her doctors, her pancreas had been overworked for years — trying to regulate blood sugar levels caused by these everyday items.
Warning Signs She Ignored
Her family shared that Thandiwe had been experiencing:
- Constant fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth and excessive thirst
But like many others, she brushed these signs off as stress or a busy work schedule. She never got her blood sugar tested — until it was too late.
What Doctors Want Everyone to Know
Dr. P. Mabaso, an endocrinologist who reviewed Thandiwe’s case, issued a powerful statement:
“Most people believe diabetes is caused only by sugar or weight. But the truth is: the food we eat every single day — even so-called ‘healthy foods’ — can be silent triggers.”
He added:
- Refined carbs like white bread, pasta, and cereal can spike blood sugar just as fast as candy.
- Processed low-fat foods often replace fat with sugar.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages (including ‘natural’ juices) are one of the top culprits.
How You Can Protect Yourself
To prevent what happened to Thandiwe, doctors recommend:
- Replacing white carbs with whole grains
- Drinking water or unsweetened teas
- Reading food labels carefully (watch for “hidden sugars”)
- Avoiding sugary breakfast items
- Getting regular blood sugar tests, especially if you feel off
Final Thoughts
Thandiwe’s tragic story has opened the eyes of many South Africans. Her students now participate in sugar-free challenges, and her family is determined to raise awareness about “invisible diabetes” caused by modern diets.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Get tested, stay informed, and rethink your food habits.
Your everyday choices could be either healing you — or slowly hurting you.
FAQs
Q: Can diabetes really be triggered by food if you’re not overweight?
Yes. Slim people can still get Type 2 diabetes if their diet is high in sugar or refined carbs.
Q: What’s the first test to check for diabetes?
A simple HbA1c blood test or fasting glucose test can reveal your sugar levels.
Q: Are natural fruit juices bad?
Yes, most are high in fructose and spike blood sugar quickly — better to eat whole fruits.
