Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.According to the International Diabetes Federation(IDF), in 2021, Nepal had an adult population of approximately 17.98 million. Among these adults,6.3% were living with diabetes, totalling around 1,133,500 individuals.
Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases, yet awareness about it remains low in many rural communities. As a part of my public health internship, our group conducted a diabetes awareness and diabetes testing program in the Jitpurphedi Community. The experience provided insights into the community’s knowledge about diabetes, their interest in diabetes prevention, and the challenges of implementing health education initiatives in Jitpurphedi. Through this program, our goal was to educate residents about diabetes prevention, encourage them, to get tested, and increase overall awareness of diabetes risk factors. This experience highlighted the significance of community health education and its role in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Community Engagement: Reaching the People
Our initial task was to raise awareness and spread knowledge about diabetes within the community. To do this, we also set up primary screening in various communities of Jitpurphedi, where diabetes testing was offered. This primary screening were not only means of testing for diabetes but also a way to assess the community’s interest and participation in health education programs in Jitpurphedi.
Some community members were eager to learn more, while others were hesitant due to a lack of clear understanding of diabetes risk factors. One of the common misconceptions we encountered was the belief that eating sugar directly causes diabetes, especially among the old population. Many parents expressed concerns about their children’s sugar belief was particularly prevalent in households where sugary snacks and beverages were a common part of children’s diets.
It’s important to clarify that eating sugar alone doesn’t cause diabetes. While excessive sugar consumption, especially over time, can contribute to the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, the condition is a result of complex interactions between genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and overall diet. Educating parents about these factors and explaining that diabetes isn’t caused by sugar alone but rather by a combination of factors, including lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits, was a crucial part of our education program.
Understanding the Community’s Knowledge of Diabetes
A key part of the initiative was to assess the community’s knowledge about diabetes. Through health education sessions in Jitpurphedi, we were able to gauge the community’s awareness. During these sessions, we asked a few questions to engage the participants and assess their understanding. Many people demonstrated positive knowledge, as some were already on medication. These individuals were keen to receive counselling on preventive measures to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.
However, some still had gaps in their understanding. For instance, many were unsure about the connection between family history and the risk of diabetes or how lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, affect the development of the disease.The sessions provided an opportunity to address these areas,emphasizing that diabetes prevention is largely infulenced by the lifestyle choices.
Diabetes Testing: Encouraging Participation in Health Screenings
To make a real difference in diabetes prevention, we also conducted diabetes testing in multiple communities of Jitpurphedi. A total of 145 people from different communities participated in the screening, including Aryal Gau, Balami Gau, Dadagau, Nayagau, Bhuwaneswori, Tamang Naya Basti, Lamichhane Gau and Panchmane.
A significant portion of the population was unsure about getting tested, fearing a possible diagnosis of diabetes. However, after attending the health education sessions in Jitpurphedi, the community became more receptive to the idea of testing. We emphasized that early detection could prevent complications and empower individuals to manage their condition more effectively.
The screening camps were a success in terms of both turnout and participation. Those diagnosed with high blood sugar levels received guidance on how to manage their condition, including recommendations for lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Impact of Health Education and Screening Programs in Jitpurphedi
The diabetes awareness campaign, combined with health screenings, had a significant impact on the community. By the end of the program, more people were aware of the risk factors for diabetes and the importance of regular health checkups. Many participants expressed a desire to change their lifestyles and adopt healthier habits, such as eating a more balanced diet, increasing physical activity and reducing sugar intake.
Furthermore, the program helped foster a sense of community empowerment, as residents of Jitpurphedi became more proactive about their health. People were eager to share their experiences with diabetes prevention and were more willing to participate in future health-related initiatives.
In the long term, these changes in behaviour could have a lasting effect on reducing the incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in the region.
Conclusion: A Future Focused on Diabetes Prevention
The experience of conducting diabetes testing and health education in Jitpurphedi reinforced the importance of public health outreach programs in the far community of these areas. While there were challenges in terms of cultural barriers and health literacy. Through our diabetes testing camps, we were able to identify individuals at risk and provide them with preventive counselling on lifestyle changes, diet and the importance of regular health check-ups.
While challenges such as limited health literacy, and misconceptions about diabetes prevention, the positive response from community members shows that change is possible. Many participants, including those already on medication and those newly diagnosed with high blood sugar, expressed a strong interest in learning more about diabetes management and prevention.
This initiative reinforced the importance of early detection and continuous community engagement. With sustained efforts in public health education, regular health screenings, and improved healthcare accessibility, we can empower more people to take control of their health and reduce the growing burden of diabetes in communities.
References:
- Diabetes. https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
- ‘Nepal’. International Diabetes Federation, https://idf.org/our-network/regions-and-members/south-east-asia/members/nepal/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
- Lacey, Hester, et al. ‘Advancing Diabetes Primary Care Education and Knowledge in Nepal: A Scoping Review and Case Study Discussion’. Primary Care Diabetes, vol. 18, no. 1, Feb. 2024, pp. 25–36. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2023.11.012.
Written by: Kanchan Pokhrel (ESC Public Health Intern)