Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare最新文献

{"title":"Case Report: Sustained weight loss and glycemic control from repeated long-term fasting in type 2 diabetes.","authors":"Marie Knufinke, Marco Lebbing, Robin Mesnage","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1572245","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1572245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder typically managed with medication; however, fasting has recently attracted attention for its potential benefits in glycemic control, weight management, and even potential remission. This case report examines the effects of repeated long-term fasting on weight reduction, glycemic control, and medication requirements in a 57-year-old man with T2DM. The patient, who had a history of inadequate glycemic control despite conventional treatment, opted for repeated long-term fasting under medical supervision. He completed several fasts ranging from 11 to 20 days each, with each fasting period followed by a gradual reintroduction of food via a hypocaloric lactovegetarian diet (800-1,800 kcal) over 4 to 16 days. The intervention resulted in sustained weight loss and improved blood sugar control. Notably, clinically meaningful improvements occurred in fasting blood glucose levels, which necessitated adjustments in his antidiabetic medications. Enhanced insulin sensitivity was evidenced by decreased HbA1c levels and a reduced dependence on hypoglycemic agents. Additionally, post-fasting evaluations indicated improvements in inflammatory markers and a reduction in fatty liver disease. In summary, repeated long-term fasting in this patient was associated with sustained weight loss, improved glycemic control, and reduced medication requirements, thereby enhancing the overall management of T2DM. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to better understand the long-term safety and effectiveness of this intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1572245"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12367449/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial: Highlights in diabetes clinical epidemiology, volume II.","authors":"Georgia Vourli, Nikos Pantazis","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1649441","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1649441","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1649441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144877045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The association between liver function tests abnormalities and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nimer Mehyar, Ziyad Alhajeri, Muath Alosaimi, Ziyad Alanazi, Abdulkarim Alanazi, Raghib Abusaris","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1617641","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1617641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Increasing evidence shows that hyperglycemia-induced glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity that usually accompany diabetes development damage the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of the hepatocytes in diabetic patients. Clinical studies highlighted the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus, comorbidities, and medications with liver function. The objective of this study is to explore the association between liver function tests' abnormalities and comorbidities, medications, and other risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients registered in the Best-Care system of the Saudi Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study employing a chart of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We drew a simple random sample of 523 T2DM patients who had a liver function test from the Best-Care database of the Ministry. We applied various statistical analyses, including Student's independent t-test, Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and odd ratios, to measure associations between different variables and liver function tests' abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About 35% of patients included in this study showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase and prothrombin time. Abnormalities of serum albumin, prothrombin time, and total serum protein tests were significantly associated with age (P < 0.05). Gamma-glutamyl transferase test abnormalities were significantly associated with gender (P < 0.05). The study found associations between several comorbidities and the abnormalities of liver function tests. These tests include the total bilirubin, albumin, total serum protein, gamma-glutamyl trans, international normalized ratio, and alanine aminotransferase. The associations were at significant levels (P < 0.05). Liraglutide was significantly associated with aspartate aminotransferase (OR = 14.40, 95% CI = 2.8, 73.2), while allopurinol was significantly associated with international normalized ratios (OR = 24.67, 95% CI = 2.95, 206.58) and total serum protein (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 1.43, 20.83).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study is the first to examine the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver function tests' abnormalities in Saudi Arabia. Although the results have a limited generalizability due to inherent biases, the findings align with similar studies in other populations. The study stresses the need to monitor liver functions, especially of T2DM patients who suffer from other conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1617641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the prevalence and risk factors of peripheral artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Kirubel Eshetu Haile, Atitegeb Alebachew Amsalu, Gizachew Ambaw Kassie, Yordanos Sisay Asgedom, Gedion Asnake Azeze, Amanuel Yosef Gebrekidan","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1563984","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1563984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 2 diabetes and lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) are growing global health problems associated with considerable cardiovascular and limb-related morbidity and mortality, poor quality of life, and high healthcare resource use and costs. Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for PAD, which further increases the risk of long-term complications. The primary aim of this systematic review was to ascertain the aggregated prevalence of PAD among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of PAD among patients with T2DM in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in alignment with the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. To identify papers published in English up to 8 November 2024, the electronic databases of Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were searched. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of PAD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study revealed that the pooled prevalence of PAD among patients with T2DM was 35.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 28.7, 42.7], reflecting the significant impact of DM on vascular health with statistically significant heterogeneity observed between studies (<i>I</i> ² = 94.9%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Age, elevated low-density lipoprotein, elevated body mass index (BMI), and diabetes illness duration exceeding 10 years were the significant predictors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The aggregate burden of PAD in individuals with T2DM within the sub-Saharan African region is estimated at 35.7%, suggesting that a considerable segment of the sub-Saharan population has been impacted. Epidemiological studies utilizing precise assessment tools can enhance the early detection and prevention of PAD in T2DM and improve the certainty of findings.</p><p><strong>Clinical implication: </strong>There is a need for integrated care approaches that prioritize the screening and management of PAD in individuals with T2DM. Given the high prevalence and associated complications, healthcare providers should implement routine PAD assessments in diabetes care protocols. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies that explore the causal relationships between risk factors and the development of PAD in patients with T2DM.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42024611838.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1563984"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12320937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144786091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting diabetic retinopathy stages using a simple nerve conduction measuring device, DPNCheck^®: a retrospective observational study.","authors":"Mayu Sakai, Takehiro Kato, Takuma Ishihara, Ken Takao, Tokuyuki Hirose, Sodai Kubota, Saki Kubota-Okamoto, Toshinori Imaizumi, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Masami Mizuno, Takuo Hirota, Yukio Horikawa, Hirokazu Sakaguchi, Shin Tsunekawa, Daisuke Yabe","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590407","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims/introduction: </strong>Diabetic retinopathy (DR) often remains asymptomatic until it reaches advanced stages, when delayed treatment can lead to irreversible visual impairment. To promote timely ophthalmology visits, this study investigated the utility of a simple nerve conduction device, DPNCheck^®, as a predictor of DR severity. Previous research has established a relationship between diabetic neuropathy (assessed by conventional nerve conduction studies) and DR progression; however, the specialized equipment and expertise required limit its practicality. In contrast, DPNCheck^® is a simpler alternative that quantifies neuropathy severity through the severity of the estimated modified Baba classification (eMBC).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Using electronic medical records (EHRs), we identified individuals with diabetes who underwent DPNCheck^® and subsequent ophthalmologic assessment for DR. Based on age and sural nerve conduction data, an eMBC was calculated. Meanwhile, DR severity was scored using a modified Davis classification, defining four stages (DR severity scores 0-3).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 181 individuals extracted from our hospital's EHRs, 146 were eligible for analysis. Ordinal logistic regression showed that eMBC was significantly associated with DR stage, independent of diabetes duration and HbA1c. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses yielded eMBC cut-off values of 1.11, 1.51, and 1.51 to predict DR severity scores of ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3, respectively. Sensitivities ranged from 0.67 to 0.78, and specificities from 0.66 to 0.81. An eMBC of 1.51 or above was strongly associated with preproliferative or proliferative DR, indicating a need for urgent ophthalmology referral.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DPNCheck^®, a simple nerve conduction measurement device, may help predict DR severity and facilitate timely ophthalmologic care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1590407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Underestimated reason of hyperkalemia in diabetic patients: type IV renal tubular acidosis- mini review.","authors":"Sibel Ertek, Kayser Caglar","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1570868","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1570868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetes mellitus is chronic disease with increasing prevalence, and may cause many organ complications, including kidneys. Reduced creatinine clearance and kidney failure are important, but hyperkalemia may be present in diabetic patients even before these problems. There may be many reasons of hyperkalemia in this group of patients. Type IV renal tubular acidosis is important cause of generally mild hyperkalemia, and it is a treatable condition. ''Polypharmacy'' -which is very common in diabetic patients due to accompanying other diseases- may trigger electrolyte imbalance. Underlying causes should be investigated and treatment should be done before it worsens.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1570868"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12289468/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the multifaceted roles of GLP-1 receptor agonists; a comprehensive review.","authors":"Bisma Fatima Hammad, Nimrah Zafar, Muneeb Ullah, Syeda Jazilah Faisal, Fizzah Iftikhar, Haadia Waheed, Muhammad Waleed Muzaffar, Khadija Ahmed, Faz Ashraf, Komal Zahid, Maimoona Akhtar, Mohammed Mahmmoud Fadelallah Eljack","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590530","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditionally, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a pivotal class of drug, mimics the actions of endogenous Glucagon-like peptide-1, which have been found to be remarkable in the treatment of type 2 diabetes alongside other comorbidities. GLP-1 receptors being widely available in the different organs and tissues such as the brain, lung, pancreas, stomach, heart, and endometrium has explained the broader therapeutic application of GLP-1RA. The recent studies have explored the physiological effects of GLP-1RA on body organs, establishing them as a potential therapeutic option for a wide range of diseases. Activation of GLP-1 receptors contribute to regulation of blood glucose levels, weight management, cardiovascular health, and potential neuroprotection, while also having a positive influence on musculoskeletal health. This review has emphasized the expanded role of GLP-1RA by highlighting the most significant and notable studies. While GLP-1RA has proven clinical efficacy, the need for more comprehensive studies, to ensure their long-term safety, is essential to optimize their therapeutic role and improve patient outcomes on a global scale. Addressing the significant gap for research on cost effectiveness of these drugs is also crucial for their accessibility in comparison to other drugs. Nevertheless, the limited data available calls for a platform for future research to carry out the expanded therapeutic effects of GLP-1RA.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1590530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144710112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes.","authors":"Tinghan Deng, Jingping Wu, Hongbin Cheng","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590288","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study examines the correlation between skin autofluorescence (SAF) and blood glucose levels, emphasizing the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We hypothesize that SAF levels are closely linked to type 1 diabetes complications in children. The aim is to evaluate SAF's relationship with type 1 diabetes progression in children and its potential as a non-invasive tool for disease detection and monitoring complications. The research was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021284774).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a meta-analysis by extracting studies from databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. A random effects model was used to assess if SAF measurement could serve as a non-invasive marker for type 1 diabetes and its complications. SAF values were compared between children with type 1 diabetes and controls, calculating the mean difference and 95% confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis included three case-control studies and one retrospective cohort study, all using the AGE Reader^® (DiagnOptics Technologies). Data analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I² = 82%, P < 0.05). The random effects model revealed a positive correlation between higher SAF levels and type 1 diabetes in children [mean difference = 0.20 (0.16, 0.25)], indicating elevated SAF in diabetic children compared to non-diabetic peers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This research supports SAF measurement as a non-invasive indicator for type 1 diabetes and its complications in children. However, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed for definitive conclusions and detailed insights into complications. Additionally, the skin's multifaceted roles require further investigation.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021284774.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1590288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12258062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diabetic Foot Talk-Time: framework for effective communication in diabetic foot management.","authors":"Lavinia Cacciatore, Marco Meloni","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590570","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590570","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Diabetic foot syndrome is a prevalent and costly chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, linked to high mortality rates and significant psychological and social burdens. These challenges exacerbate the disease's impact and can hinder the ability of healthcare professionals to effectively connect with patients. Therapeutic education and effective communication can play crucial roles in fostering patient empowerment and adherence to care, which can help reduce frustration for both patients and caregivers. However, there is currently a lack of specific guidelines to direct healthcare professionals in diabetic foot care. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating a systematic literature review and a cross-sectional survey, to evaluate existing communication strategies and develop a structured digital framework aimed at improving diabetic foot care. The research focuses on reviewing recent literature (from the past five years) on effective communication and therapeutic education in the prevention and management of Diabetic Foot Syndrome. Additionally, it includes an analysis of existing manuals on communication strategies and a descriptive survey to assess professional-patient and interprofessional communication challenges, identify areas for improvement, and measure levels of awareness among diabetic patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The literature review was conducted using the PICO method on the Medline database through PubMed, yielding 273 articles, of which eight were selected for in-depth analysis. A survey, conducted over four months, included 165 participants divided into professional and diabetic groups, each receiving targeted questionnaires.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The analysis of selected articles and communication manuals highlighted key themes aligned with the study's objectives. Findings emphasized that self-management, effective communication, professional training in therapeutic education, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) are essential to improving patient adherence to diabetic foot care and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Survey results revealed that a large proportion of diabetic patients reported either not receiving information on diabetic foot syndrome from healthcare professionals or only receiving it post-complication, leading many to seek information online. Both professionals and patients acknowledged that online resources enhance adherence to care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Discussion: &lt;/strong&gt;The study underscores the need for reliable, accessible resources, including multimedia support for active health education aimed at both healthcare professionals and diabetic patients at risk of foot complications. Based on these findings, a prototype framework was developed-a web platform designed to support professionals and diabetic patients with features such as daily podiatric routines, alert systems, instructional images, and pr","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1590570"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12232915/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144585776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social support groups and policy recommendations for managing type 2 diabetes: perspective of healthcare professionals in Ghana.","authors":"Christine Ahiale, Augustine Kumah","doi":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1604828","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1604828","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Over the last decades, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes have remarkably increased due to rapid urbanization, unhealthy lifestyles, and ageing. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the \"diabetes epidemic\" will continue in the coming decades, yielding enormous human and economic costs around the world. This study explores healthcare workers' views on social support groups and policy recommendations for managing type 2 diabetes in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study utilized a facility-based cross-sectional qualitative research design to explore healthcare workers' views on social support groups and policy recommendations for managing type 2 diabetes in Ghana between January and May 2023. Health workers who worked in the three selected regional hospitals for at least one year and at the diabetic clinics of the three selected regional hospitals of the respective regions at the time of this study were included. The study used purposive sampling to select 12 health workers (Nurses) as key informants. One (1) facility head of each facility and three (3) health workers, each working in the diabetic clinic of each regional hospital, were selected for key informant interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in English. Notes from the interview were transcribed after the key informant interview. Data was imported into the Nvivo 7 software. The results were presented as prose, analyzed, and discussed in themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Major challenges facing people living with diabetes were the cost of medication, limited NHIS coverage, frequent morbidity and the chronic nature of the disease, putting psychological pressure on the patients. The policy recommendation was on mass education and the expansion of NHIS coverage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study has noted some significant challenges faced in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana. Addressing the diabetes epidemic in Ghana requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, access to care, and diabetes education. Implementing the policy recommendations outlined in this study can significantly improve diabetes management in Ghana, reduce the burden of the disease, and enhance the overall health and well-being of the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73075,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare","volume":"6 ","pages":"1604828"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}