Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Insulin therapy in childhood type 1 diabetes: Knowledge and practice in Senegal
1Abass-Ndao Hospital Center, Cheikh Anta Diop Avenue, 25755 Dakar, Senegal.
Insights
Physician knowledge of insulin therapy for childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Senegal was limited. Enhanced training is recommended to improve T1D management and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
- Insulin therapy is crucial for managing blood glucose levels in T1D.
- Assessing physician knowledge is vital for effective diabetes care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge level of physicians regarding insulin therapy for pediatric diabetes.
- To identify potential gaps in diabetes management education among healthcare providers in Senegal.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter survey conducted over five months in five university hospital centers in Dakar, Senegal.
- Interviewed 82 physicians, including pediatricians and those specializing in pediatrics.
- Collected data on insulin prescription practices and knowledge of T1D management.
Main Results:
- 75.6% of physicians recommended fast-acting insulins; 50% recommended insulin mixtures.
- 91% advised varying insulin injection sites.
- 54.9% of physicians adjusted insulin doses for physical activity, with over half reducing doses.
Conclusions:
- Physician knowledge of insulin therapy for pediatric diabetes in Senegal is limited.
- There is a need to strengthen and monitor training programs for healthcare providers managing T1D.
- Improved education can enhance the quality of care for children with diabetes.
Introduction:
Childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition with serious repercussions on both the quality of life of the child and the family. Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of optimal blood sugar control. The main objective of our study was to assess the level of knowledge of physicians about insulin therapy in diabetes.
Methods:
This was a multicenter survey over a period of 5 months (from March 5 to August 2, 2018). It took place in five reference university hospital centers in the Dakar region.
Result:
The number of doctors interviewed in our study was 82, 47.6% of whom were confirmed pediatricians or pediatricians in the process of specialization. The number of years of experience in the field of diabetes was on average 3 years. Fast-acting regular insulins were recommended by 75.6% of doctors and mixtures of insulin (intermediate and rapid-acting) by 50% of doctors. Overall, 91% of doctors recommend a variation in insulin injection sites. The "basal bolus" treatment regimen with insulin analogs was recommended by 50% of doctors, while 31.7% recommended it with human insulin. Regarding adapting insulin doses for leisure and sports activities, more than half (54.9%) of the doctors had to reduce the doses.
Conclusion:
This study enabled us to assess the level of knowledge of insulin therapy among doctors caring for children with diabetes in Senegal, which proved to be limited. We recommend the reinforcement and follow-up of training on the management of T1D for providers at the different facilities.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...

