A health initiative in South Africa is breaking language barriers by providing diabetes-friendly dietary guidance through short videos in seven local languages, promoting healthy eating and lifestyle choices for long-term wellbeing.
A South African health project is making diabetes-friendly advice available in seven languages, with short videos designed to help people understand how to build a balanced plate and make everyday choices that support long-term wellbeing. The material, produced through the Healthy Jozi project, is available in English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Xhosa, Xitsonga and Zulu.
The guides explain a simple portion model: half a plate of vegetables, one quarter starch and one quarter protein. Mayo Clinic guidance on portion control supports that approach, noting that managing serving sizes can help prevent overeating and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. It also recommends practical visual cues, smaller plates and careful portion choices when eating away from home.
Although the videos were created for people living with diabetes, the advice is also relevant for those managing hypertension, raised cholesterol or weight concerns. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight management all play an important role in blood sugar control, while monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol can help reduce complications.
The language focus is central to the project’s approach. By presenting the same basic health messages in several local languages, the organisers are trying to make nutrition advice easier to understand and more useful in daily life. That matters because meal planning guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic both stresses the value of balanced meals, more non-starchy vegetables, fewer added sugars and a clear structure that helps people make healthier choices consistently.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
