AMPATH Programs Provide Resources for Diabetes
The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) focuses on maintaining blood sugar levels to prevent complications and promote overall health through lifestyle adjustments, monitoring, medication, and consistent healthcare follow-up. The most common forms include type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and gestational diabetes (GDM). T1DM, typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, results from the body's inability to produce insulin. T2DM, common in adults over 40, arises from insulin resistance, where the body struggles to use insulin effectively. T2DM accounts for over 90% of diabetes cases. GDM occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
Lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in diabetes management. This includes dietary strategies such as carbohydrate counting, portion control, and incorporating high-fiber, low-glycemic index foods. Physical activity is essential, improving insulin sensitivity, aiding weight control, and maintaining blood sugar stability. Patients are also encouraged to quit smoking and manage alcohol consumption, both of which can exacerbate diabetes complications.
Blood sugar monitoring is critical, involving regular self-checks with glucometers and periodic A1C tests to gauge average glucose levels over 2-3 months. T1DM requires lifelong insulin therapy, while T2DM may initially be managed with oral glucose-lowering agents, often transitioning to insulin as the condition progresses. GDM is managed with specific safe medications or insulin during pregnancy.
Comprehensive diabetes management also addresses related health concerns. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces cardiovascular risks, while protecting kidney health helps prevent diabetic nephropathy. Regular foot exams are crucial to avoid ulcers and complications that could lead to amputations. Annual eye check-ups are vital to detect diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss.
AMPATH’s Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program exemplifies advanced care approaches. The Home Glucose Monitoring (HGM) unit at MTRH Chandaria is central to this effort, conducting weekly calls to track patients’ glucose readings. This data is securely stored in the AMPATH point-of-care system, enabling clinicians to personalize treatment plans.
Dr. Alvin Kagari underscores the importance of multi-dimensional diabetes care, which goes beyond glucose control to include patient education, access to modern treatment methods, and continuous support. These combined efforts equip patients with the tools and confidence needed to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
About Life for a Child (LFAC)
The Life for a Child (LFAC) program at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is part of AMPATH’s Chronic Diseases Management (CDM) initiative, which supports patients with chronic illnesses. Through a memorandum of understanding between MTRH and Life for a Child, diabetes care for children and young adults aged 25 and younger has been significantly enhanced. This partnership, facilitated by ScienceScope Limited, led to donations of ACCU-CHEK Instant strips, Softclix lancets, and Instant Meter Kits to AMPATH.
The LFAC program operates within MTRH’s diabetes clinic at the Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre, integrated into the hospital’s Home Glucose Monitoring (HGM) program. The Jackson Family Diabetes Room, an education and wellness center, provides young patients a supportive space for play and educational activities on clinic days. Here, a child life specialist offers age-appropriate activities to create a more comfortable environment.
As the second-largest medical facility in Kenya, MTRH draws patients from across western Kenya. The LFAC program enrolls around two new patients monthly, with a current total of 363 children and young adults benefiting from the program.