A socio-cultural study of type II diabetes mellitus among the Indian population in Reservoir Hills, Durban.

Abstract

Whereas there has been much interest amongst anthropologists in the West in studying

diseases such as Type II Diabetes Mellitus, there appears to be a paucity of local

anthropological studies that analyse the social and cultural dimensions of this disease.

In this country, according to the South African Diabetes Association, this disease is most

prevalent in the South African Indian population. This study focuses on the South African

Indian community in the suburb of Reservoir Hills, Durban, and examines socio-cultural

issues around diabetes.

Previous research conducted overseas has demonstrated a strong link: between rapid

socio-economic changes that affect diet and lifestyle, and increases in the incidence of this

disease among particular communities. This dissertation represents an attempt to:

1. Document salient features of the lifestyle, food beliefs and habits of the Indian

population.

2. Discuss significant changes in lifestyle and diet that may have contributed to the rise of

this disease among the Indian population.

3. Through an analysis of common discourse, analyse and record the thoughts and

feelings of research participants regarding the disease and the manner in which they

cope with diabetes.

Case studies are used to support the author's arguments and an attempt is made to use

the research findings to identify ways for community members to better cope with the

disease. A number of suggestions and recommendations from medical experts with an

interest in diet and lifestyle on prevention and management of diabetes are included in the

study. The author argues that a few relatively simple lifestyle/diet changes may have the

effect of lowering the high incidence of diabetes in the South African Indian population.