Insulin therapy among diabetic patients in rural communities of Sub-Saharan Africa: a perspective review

Abstract

In this perspective review, we describe a brief background on the status quo of diabetes mellitus-related therapies and glycemic control among patients in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The article discusses insulin therapy as well as the difficulties in obtaining insulin and oral hypoglycemic medications for diabetic patients living in sub-Saharan Africa. We wrap up our discussion with suggestions on solutions and opportunities for future research to tackle this health challenge in these impoverished communities. We conducted a literature search from PubMed and Google Scholar up until August 2023. Key words were used to generate search terms used to retrieve the required information. All types of literature with pertinent information on the current topic were included in the study. Diabetes mellitus is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Several studies have reported poor glycemic control, low screening rates for diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, high alcohol consumption, prescription of antidiabetic therapy, and associated costs as contributors to the uptake of antidiabetic treatment. Although there is paucity of data on the extent of insulin therapy uptake and its possible modifiable contributors among the diabetic patients in the region, the anticipated increase in the number of people with diabetes on the continent makes it critical for global leaders to address the research gaps in insulin therapy among rural communities of sub-Saharan Africa, thus reducing the burden of diabetes in these populations.

Keywords: glucagon; glycated hemoglobin; hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; insulin; oral hypoglycemics; sub-Saharan Africa.

Figure 1.

Map showing Sub-Saharan Africa (in green) according to the United Nations By Jcherlet: Jcherlet / derivative work: Jcherlet (talk) – HDImap_spectrum2006_Africa.png, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12340966.