Type 1 Diabetes – Kabukye Trust

The challenge

Chronic care services for severe conditions of type 1 diabetes (T1D), are only available at referral hospitals in major cities. Treatment is inaccessible and unaffordable for the rural poor. As a result, many poor children and young adults go without treatment for these severe conditions that almost always lead to premature death if left untreated. In Uganda in 2022, 1 in 3 young people with T1D died without a diagnosis. The number of people living with T1D was estimated at 16,090 in 2022. The average number of healthy years lost to T1D per person (diagnosed at 10) is 48.6 years.

Our services

Screening

We help children and young people at risk of type 1 diabetes
confirm their status by training school nurses and teachers to conduct initial screenings and offering readily available screening from confirmatory laboratory tests at our Bright Life Medical Centre, ensuring early diagnosis.

Caring for starlets at school

We help school nurses and teachers gain needed knowledge and skills by training in insulin administration and personalised care planning, use of diabetes kits and emotional support to foster empathy among peers and provide Starlets with the tools to manage their condition confidently. Our reminder systems ensure timely check-ups and treatments, promoting a safe and inclusive space for pupils with diabetes.

Caring for starlets at home

We ensure children and young people with type 1 diabetes receive the best care at home by providing caregivers with Essential Care Protocols tailored for diabetes management. offer comprehensive training, and equip caregivers with the skills they need to support Starlets effectively. We also distribute diabetes kits for at-home care and offer psychosocial counseling, ensuring both the physical and emotional well-being of the children.

Facilitating safe physical activities

We help children and young people with T1D perform regular physical activities tailored to their specific health needs through personalised exercise plans and training of fitness instructors enabling them to manage their condition effectively.

Type 1 Diabetes advocacy and awareness

We help children and young people with type 1 diabetes engage with non-diabetic peers, by promoting understanding and reducing stigma by promoting inclusive play opportunities and ensuring voices of children with type 1 diabetes are heard and their experiences are valued in the community.

Preparing for transition to adulthood

We help children and young people with type 1 diabetes prepare, gain confidence and knowledge needed to navigate adulthood while maintaining their health and independence by mentoring them in developing essential life skills which enable them to take greater responsibilities for managing their diabetes.

FAQs

1. What is Type 1 Diabetes and how is it different from Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise dangerously high. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which can develop due to lifestyle factors and insulin resistance, T1D is not preventable and often diagnosed in children and young adults. People with T1D need to manage their blood sugar levels through insulin therapy.

2. What are the common symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?

Symptoms of T1D often develop rapidly and include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious health complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition.

3. How is Type 1 Diabetes diagnosed?

T1D is diagnosed through a series of blood tests. The most common is the fasting blood glucose test, random blood sugars test, OGTT followed by the HBA1c test, which shows average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

4. Can people with Type 1 Diabetes live normal lives?

Yes, with proper management, people with T1D can live full and active lives.

5. Is there a cure for Type 1 Diabetes?

Currently, there is no cure for T1D, but researchers are actively exploring ways to prevent, treat, and potentially cure the disease. However, insulin therapy remains the main treatment option for managing the condition today.

6. What role does diet and exercise play in managing Type 1 Diabetes?

Diet and exercise are crucial components of managing T1D. A healthy diet helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, while regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, allowing for better blood sugar control. However, people with T1D must carefully balance food, exercise, and insulin to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low (hypoglycemia) or rising too high (hyperglycemia).

7. What are the long-term complications of unmanaged Type 1 Diabetes?

If T1D is not well-managed, it can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye problems, including blindness. These complications develop over time due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. However, good blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk of such complications.