P-55: Individualized diabetes education improves glycemic control, knowledge, and adherence in Kenyan children and young adults
S Wambulwa, E Manuthu, J KimettoAbstract
Introduction
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among children and young adults is rising in developing countries. In Kenya, an estimated 6,500 children and young people live with Type 1 diabetes, with 1,380 new cases diagnosed in 2024 and approximately 570 deaths reported among those under 20. Limited insulin access, gaps in education, and resource constraints contribute to poor glycemic control and high complication rates.
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of individualized diabetes education on glycemic control, knowledge, adherence, and clinical outcomes among children in kitale, kenya.
Methods
This one-year, prospective, randomized study included 100 individuals aged 8–25 years with Type 1 diabetes, divided into two groups of 50 each. The intervention group (39 females) received individualized diabetes education using booklets provided by the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) program and Kenya Ministry of Health, while the control group (35 females) received standard care. Education focused on insulin storage, carbohydrate counting, self-monitoring of blood glucose, sick-day management, and understanding diabetes complications. Outcomes were measured at baseline and every 3 months for HbA1c, while hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), knowledge (10-point questionnaire), and adherence (4-point clinical scale) were assessed throughout the study.
Results
Intervention participants improved in all outcomes; controls had no significant changes.
Conclusions
Prospective, guideline-based diabetes education using standardized booklets improves glycemic control, knowledge, and adherence among children and young adults in resource-limited settings, reducing complications and addressing the burden of Type 1 diabetes in Kenya.