Management of type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Late diagnosis and lack of access to insulin contribute most to the mortality of people with type 1 diabetes. The presence of this chronic noncommunicable disease is not bound by borders or even continents. Without treatment, it is fatal, while with treatment and good control, it is possible to prevent acute complications (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia) and to reduce severe late complications (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, kidney failure and blindness). Access to equipment and supplies for diagnosis and to essential drugs for hospitals and later families at an affordable price is critical to mortality and morbidity in Africa. Intensive training of professionals in the field and in hospitals to recognize and treat this disease is necessary. These factors, together with intensive education of patients and their families, can reduce the mortality and morbidity of diabetes. Adequate management of diabetes, an important noncommunicable disease, will contribute to meeting the Sustainable Developments Goals and reducing infant mortality.

Keywords: access to care; essential drugs; type 1 diabetes.