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Towards improving care for children with diabetes in Kuwait
A A Shaltout1, M A Qabazard, M al Khawari
1Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat.
Insights
This study audited 199 children with diabetes in Kuwait, finding their glycemic control was fair but could improve. Enhanced support staff, like dietitians, could boost diabetes management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Clinical Audit
Background:
- Diabetes management in children requires ongoing assessment.
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) is a key indicator of glycemic control.
- Evaluating current pediatric diabetes care is essential for improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit the glycemic control of diabetic children at Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait.
- To compare control levels with international standards.
- To identify areas for improving diabetes management in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Medical record audit of 199 pediatric diabetes cases.
- Measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) for glycemic control assessment.
- Comparative analysis with existing literature on pediatric diabetes care.
Main Results:
- Glycemic control in the audited group was comparable to general hospital studies.
- Control levels were less favorable than those in specialized diabetic clinics.
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) levels indicated suboptimal glycemic control in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric diabetes care at Al-Amiri Hospital shows room for improvement.
- Integration of specialized support staff (dietitians, educators, psychologists) is recommended.
- Enhanced multidisciplinary support can significantly improve pediatric glycemic control.
Abstract:
Presents the results of a medical audit of the records of 199 children diagnosed as diabetic and admitted to Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait. Uses the measurement of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) to indicate the levels of control achieved. Finds that the degree of glycaemic control compares favourably with studies done in other hospitals, but unfavourably with specialized diabetic clinics. Proposes that glycaemic control could be improved by provision of the services of specialized support staff such as dietitian, educator, psychologist and health visitor.