This paper focuses on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the significant health implications
it has on individuals living in currently disadvantaged peri-urban areas in South Africa. Given
the significant public health and socio-economic burden South Africa faces due to scarce
resources and escalating rates of chronic diseases, prevention strategies which impact
on modifiable risk factors for T2DM are vital. The population of interest was children and
adolescents living in informal settlements on the outskirts of Cape Town. The suggested
behaviour change was the increase and maintenance of a more physically active and
healthy lifestyle, thereby facilitating weight loss and lowering the risk for developing T2DM.
Brief motivational interviewing (BMI) based interventions, aimed at encouraging children
and adolescents to modify their behaviour patterns are introduced. Transformative
communication, self-efficacy and social support are also emphasised as crucial factors
contributing to the promotion and maintenance of the desired health behaviour changes.