Campaign Offers Free Glucose Tests Nationwide
aQuellé and Diabetes South Africa are running free glucose testing stations across the country under the Together Let's Beat Diabetes campaign.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Diabetes
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aQuellé and Diabetes South Africa have launched free glucose testing stations across South Africa under the Together Let's Beat Diabetes campaign. More than 17 000 people have been tested through the campaign to date.
Why it matters
Diabetes claims the lives of almost 79 South Africans every day, and early detection is aimed at catching the condition before complications develop. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually with few or no noticeable symptoms.
Statistics South Africa's Mortality and Causes of Death in South Africa, 2024 report lists diabetes as the leading underlying natural cause of death, with 28 767 deaths recorded in 2024. The campaign has tested over 17 000 people to date, but the source does not report results or positive detection rates.
The players
aQuellé
A South African natural spring water brand that is the official hydration partner to the Sharks, Netball South Africa, and 15 of the 16 PSL football clubs.
Diabetes South Africa
A South African organisation that works to raise awareness of diabetes and support early detection and management of the condition.
Statistics South Africa
The national statistics agency that publishes official data, including the Mortality and Causes of Death in South Africa report.
The details
Free glucose testing is being taken into communities through more than 150 testing stations hosted at selected retail locations across the country. Untreated elevated blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss and lower-limb amputations.
Timeline
6 November 2026: Free glucose testing station at Jumbo Finro C&C, Gqeberha (Eastern Cape).
7 November 2026: Free glucose testing stations at Afrisave, Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape) and Jumbo Crown Mines (Gauteng).
13 November 2026: Free glucose testing station at Tradevalue Powertrade (Eastern Cape).
14 November 2026: Free glucose testing station at Spar Daku, Ibhayi (Eastern Cape).
20 November 2026: Free glucose testing station at Shoprite MediRite Pretoria North (Gauteng).
Big Picture
Statistics South Africa's Mortality and Causes of Death in South Africa, 2024 report identifies diabetes as the country's leading underlying natural cause of death. The free testing campaign responds to that official finding by pushing early detection into everyday retail settings.
Free glucose testing at retail locations gives people a low-cost way to check their blood glucose without a clinic visit. Because type 2 diabetes can progress with few or no symptoms, a quick test may be the only signal to seek follow-up care.
The takeaway
Diabetes often develops quietly, so a free glucose check is a simple step worth taking even without symptoms. Early detection gives people a better chance to manage the condition before complications set in.
What happens next
Further testing stations are planned for the rest of this year, with scheduled stops on 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20 November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the condition in our Diabetes coverage across South Africa.
More information
Find a testing station near you on the Together Let's Beat Diabetes station locator run by aQuellé.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sandton Lifestyle Magazine.
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