Future challenges for pediatric diabetes management in developing countries: lessons from Africa

Abstract

In this review, we describe the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents in Africa, noting that there is a paucity of data with regard to the burden of disease, prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, healthcare and acute and chronic complications. Furthermore, access to care remains an issue of great concern. Our view is that in the next 5 years, more research will be undertaken on the burden of the disease and on interventions to provide better access to care. While the majority of African countries still have a low incidence of diabetes in children, it is predicted that the incidence will increase and it is therefore essential that governments develop sustainable policies to deal with such increases.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• Africa
• children
• management
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• There is a paucity of data on the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents in African countries.

• There is a paucity of data on the complications of diabetes experienced by children and adolescents.

• The majority of ministries of health in Africa do not have an operational diabetes program.

• Staff at healthcare facilities are generally not sufficiently trained to manage diabetes.

• Insulin supplies and equipment are in short supply or unaffordable in most African countries.

• There are few senior specialists in most African countries.

• Most African countries do not have standardized guidelines for managing diabetes.