In Guatemala the prevalence of diabetes is 8.9% but only 40% of people living with diabetes are aware and only 20% are properly treated for the disease. It is of concern that the government is only paying low attention towards prevention and care of NCD and diabetes in particular.The aim of this project is to raise awareness about diabetes through development and use of educational materials and to improve diagnosing and care of diabetes in 3 ethnicities of Guatemala near lake Atitlán named Tz’utujuil, Kaqchikel, and K’iche’. Furthermore, improved infrastructure for the management of diabetes will be implemented.
The activities will include:1. Raise awareness about of diabetes. The illustrated booklet “Como vivir Sano con la Diabetes” will be extended covering information about gestational diabetes, diabetes complications, personal goals and the importance of medication. The booklet will be written in relevant dialects and distributed to 20 clinics, and 40,000 copies will be made for hand-outs.2. Guidance’s and patient materials, a directory of medical services and “how to” guidance´s for community based coordinators, patients and trainees will be established to educate knowledge of diabetes.3. Education programs for young people will be used in classroom visits.4. Public service announcement and advertising will be used to reach the further population.5. To improve identification and care of people with DM 24 one-day training courses will be offered to train health workers. Topics like epidemiology, the role of the primary health care worker, diabetes management and behavioural changes will be covered. It is estimated that 20 new clinics will open for diabetes detection and education.6. Three community- based program coordinators will be elected to help set up and monitor clinics, and collect statistics.
• 31,632 patient screeninged for diabetes• 373 new healthcare workers (57 doctors, 183 nurses and 133 educators) trained on diabetes care.• 22 new MSPAS clinics established or strengthened.• 200,000 people reached by DM awareness activities in their maternal language.• Developed culturally appropriate illustrated booklet in spanish and three Maya languages.• 10,001 students trained on primary prevention• Developed a DM screening database for DM care providers.• 31,632 people screened at awareness events and 1,405 people screened for DM complications