In Africa, there is said to be one traditional healer to every 200 people; an estimated 80% of people in the continent turn to traditional medicine as a source of primary care, including those with diabetes. In settings that are characterized by shortcomings in healthcare provision resources, traditional healers are making selective use of biomedical knowledge and language to enhance the perceived effectiveness of their treatments. Paschal Awah discusses the use of traditional medicine in diabetes care in Africa, and makes a call for an inclusive approach to addressing the issues around popular traditional practices.