Murang’a, Kenya – The Murang’a County Department of Health is set to introduce a specialized clinic aimed at supporting children living with type 1 diabetes as they transition into adulthood. This initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by teenagers managing this chronic condition.

According to Kenya News Agency, the County Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases, explained the county’s plan to launch a transition clinic for type 1 diabetes patients starting from age 13. Dr. Kerubo highlighted the difficulty teenagers face in coping with diabetes and the potential benefits of peer support in medication adherence. “Knowing that they are not alone will help them build acceptance, leading to better-controlled sugar levels as they will adhere to medication,” she stated. The clinic aims to not only support diabetes patients but also engage parents and caregivers for collective support. Dr. Kerubo emphasized the impact of diabetes on both the children and their parents, noting the need for parental support to foster better management of the condition among the youth.

The clinic also seeks to address issues of medication adherence, as teenagers often struggle with accepting their chronic illness, sometimes leading to critical health emergencies due to non-compliance with medication. Dr. Kerubo observed that while young people living with diabetes receive free medication at public health facilities, they require additional social and emotional support. “The children have access to both short-acting and long-acting insulin for free up to the age of 24,” she noted, adding that the clinic will create a cohort of young diabetes patients for regular meetings, particularly during school holidays, to foster mutual encouragement and support.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kerubo urged the general public to get tested for type 2 diabetes to facilitate early lifestyle adjustments and prevent complications.