Diabetes Management Among Diabetic Patients Attending Longisa Level Four Hospital, Kenya

Purpose: Diabetes is the commonest endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia giving rise to the risk of microvascular and macrovascular damage, with associated reduced life expectancy and diminished quality of life. The main objective of study was to establish diabetes management practices among diabetic patients attending Longisa level four hospitals. Materials and methods: The study adopted a cross sectional study design. It utilized quantitative data collection methods where 87diabetic patients attending the health facility will be randomly selected into the study after giving their informed consents. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics while graphs, tables and figures were utilized to present the results. Regression analysis was employed to determine associations and trends between the dependent and independent variables. The proposal for this study was presented to Kenyatta National Hospital/University of Nairobi ethical Review Committee for ethical approval. Participants were requested to give their consent prior to their participation in the study and assured of confidentiality of their responses throughout the study duration. Results: The study found out that Diabetes management continue to be a huge public health concern as issues of accessing diabetes services and equipment hinder uptake of the same by patients. A bleak future in diabetic management will be a reality based on the knowledge gained from information imparted to diabetic patients from health facilities they visit and behavioural practices. Costs associated with some important essentials such as a blood sugar machine especially with patients with no stable source of income poses a big challenge to diabetic management. Continuous health education and promotion should be offered and strengthened at the grassroot levels as a key strategy of empowering diabetic patients with friendly, practical and health ways of living. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that to be able to reduce and subsequently address the issue of accessibility of services and safe time, the Ministry of Health in partnership with friendly stakeholders should devolve essential services and equipment to the lowest level to enable diabetic patients to fully utilize them. In this effort, the lives of diabetic patients will be saved and improved greatly.