REDUCING THE PREVALENCE OF UNCONTROLLED BLOOD GLUCOSE IN PATIENTS UNDER TREATMENT IN THE NCD UNIT AT BUTARO HOSPITAL
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce the prevalence of uncontrolled blood glucose among diabetic patients at Butaro Hospital’s NCD Unit, focusing on patients with HbA1c levels above 7%.
Methodology: Ten patients with persistent uncontrolled blood glucose were selected for targeted interventions, which included educational sessions, home visits, regular monitoring, mobile reminders, and group therapy. The project utilized a pre-and post-test design, incorporating behavior change theories to identify barriers and encourage patients to self-manage their diabetes.
Results: Over six months, the project achieved a reduction in average blood glucose levels from 220 mg/dL to 150 mg/dL, and HbA1c levels from 9% to 7%. The results highlight the effectiveness of comprehensive, patient-centered care and community support in improving glycemic control.
Conclusion: The project demonstrated that a combination of targeted interventions, regular monitoring, and technology can significantly improve glycemic control in diabetic patients in low-resource settings.
Recommendation: To ensure sustainability, the project recommends continuous professional development for healthcare providers, involving families in patient care, and utilizing technology for ongoing patient follow-up. Future interventions should focus on maintaining a holistic, collaborative approach to diabetes management for improved long-term outcomes
Keywords: Diabetes management, uncontrolled blood glucose, HbA1c, glycemic control, patient education, behavior change theories, Butaro Hospital, non-communicable diseases, quality improvement, low-resource settings
References
Dempsey, P. C., Owen, N., Yates, T. E., Kingwell, B. A., & Dunstan, D. W. (2016). Sitting less and moving more: improved glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes prevention and management. Current diabetes reports, 16, 1-15.
Fisher, L., Hessler, D. M., Polonsky, W. H., & Mullan, J. (2012). When is diabetes distress clinically meaningful? Establishing cut points for the Diabetes Distress Scale. Diabetes care, 35(2), 259-264.
Iqbal, Q., Bashir, S., Iqbal, J., Iftikhar, S., & Godman, B. (2017). Assessment of medication adherence among type 2 diabetic patients in Quetta city, Pakistan. Postgraduate medicine, 129(6), 637-643.
Kibirige, D., Akabwai, G. P., Kampiire, L., Kiggundu, D. S., & Lumu, W. (2017). Frequency and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in an African diabetic population. International journal of general medicine, 33-38.
Malik, V. S., Popkin, B. M., Bray, G. A., Després, J. P., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2010). Sugar- sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes care, 33(11), 2477-2483.
Ministry of Health Rwanda. (2015). Rwanda Integrated Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Guidelines. Kigali, Rwanda: Ministry of Health Rwanda.
Mohan, V., Shah, S. N., Joshi, S. R., Seshiah, V., Sahay, B. K., Banerjee, S., ... & DiabCare India 2011 Study Group. (2014). Current status of management, control, complications and psychosocial aspects of patients with diabetes in India: Results from the DiabCare India 2011 Study. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 18(3), 370-378.
