Diabetes is a complex problem, with high morbidity and mortality rates, in the Dominican Republic due to exponential growth in known cases and the hidden dangers of this condition principally among populations with limited financial means. One million Dominicans have been registered with this condition but the amount that suffer from the effects, and are not registered in the health care system, are unknown and presumed to be very high. According to the OPS/OMS, 32.9 Million Latin Americans will contract this condition by the year 2030.
Diabetes affects an important part of the vital organs, cases most commonly impact the kidneys and arterial hypertension.
ILAC with the support of international institutions have developed a program for the awareness and follow up with the patients who suffer from Diabetes and/or arterial hypertension in 15 communities in the provinces of Juan Sánchez Ramírez and La Vega.
The objectives of the program can be summed up in making a contribution to improve the quality of life for diabetes patients and to reduce the number of premature deaths due to diabetes and arterial hypertension.
To implement the program we have employed updated methodologies for treatment including: constant lab testing, distribution of oral anti-glucemia and hypertension medication
The coordination and follow up with the patients involves three doctors, a nurse, and 12 ‘Cooperadores’, who provide continuous outpatient services to the patients and their families with a schedule that includes:
- Metformina Treatments.
- Nutritional information.
- Information for the care of the body.
- Information for the management of their diabetic condition.
- Information for the management of regular glycemia checkups.
- Information for the management of the tolerance of medications.