Mobile unit against diabetes, Guatemala

Objectives

In Guatemala, diabetes rates are increasing faster than those of any other disease, reflecting trends seen in Latin America and across the rest of the world.

Guatemala has no national programme against diabetes, and there is no law for the protection and care of those with diabetes. Little has been done to prevent, educate and effectively treat diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes which affects a very sensitive population: children.

Despite having 11 care centres throughout the country, the Patronato del Diabético de Guatemala only manages to care for some 25% of those with diabetes.

Poor access for the indigenous population to quality health services is the result of various factors. In the interior of the country, huge distances on dirt roads can make it extremely difficult to reach existing diabetes care centres.

To establish a mobile system within the national health system framework to prevent, screen for and raise awareness about type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the most densely populated, low-income, urban areas of Guatemala.

Approach

The project will intervene in public schools and community health centres to prevent and raise awareness about diabetes and screen at risk people.

A mobile unit will be outfitted with basic equipment and conduct visits to public schools in order to screen students, relatives and teaching staff and arrange educational sessions and sports activities. These visits will also be used for large-scale awareness raising about diabetes.

Visits of the mobile unit to community health centres will sensitise community health workers on prevention and care of diabetes, screen patients, and arrange educational sessions for patients with diabetes including healthy living and self-management. Patients with elevated glucose levels will be referred to the nearest Patronato del Diabético centre for appropriate medical treatment.

Results at completion

- 23,000 Screened for diabetes
- 11,500 Educational kits delivered
- 125 Community health workers working at community health centres sensitised on diabetes
- 62 Diabetes Clubs established at community health centres