World Diabetes Day 2021
Today is World Diabetes Day. A day to raise awareness of the challenges surrounding access to diabetes care. Today presents an opportunity to highlight the urgent need for increased access to diabetes diagnosis and treatment.
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. However, for marginalized communities such as those in rural Tanzania, many people with Type 1 diabetes struggle to access insulin as well as the necessary basic treatment technologies such as blood glucose meters and test strips. Diabetics who get a diagnosis are not guaranteed access to regular screening for complications or given education around diabetes to enable them to manage the disease.
The number of undiagnosed diabetics is higher than those diagnosed in marginalized areas, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the rapidly rising rate of diabetes in low and middle income countries. Left undiagnosed, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
Here, we highlight the story of Lemaiyan*, a Maasai man who has recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at FAME.
“I didn't know anything about diabetes before my diagnosis. I was shocked and scared when the doctor told me. However, the doctors and nurses have educated me about diabetes and shown me how to use insulin. They have also shown me how to store the insulin since I don't have a fridge back home. I’m very grateful to FAME for the good care I have received.”
-Lemaiyan*
When Lemaiyan* turned 21 years old, he was too sick to celebrate. He was experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He also noticed that for the last three months he had lost excessive amounts of weight, 27lbs to be exact. He was also experiencing excessive thirst and frequent urination.
After numerous trips to the local dispensary, Lemaiyan* decided to make the long trip to FAME to seek treatment, as he was not getting any better. Accompanied by his parents, he started the long journey from his small village in Ngorongoro, covering over 60 miles.
At FAME, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and immediately put on insulin. He spent two nights in FAME.
Insulin prices are high in Tanzania, however FAME provides insulin free of charge to patients who cannot afford it. Together with our team of social workers, we review each case individually to ascertain the level of help and support needed.
FAME joins the rest of the world, today and every day, in fighting for access to diabetes care for those in need.
*While the patient’s name has been changed to protect privacy, permission was secured to share his photos and story with FAME supporters, and to raise awareness of available medical care at FAME Medical.