Description
Abbreviation
Rc – Risk category
Background
Diabetic foot disease is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of hospitalization and lower-limb amputation. In Nyeri County,the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers is 9.04%,which is a significant concern.Transitioning diabetic clinics from weekly to daily operations, combined with structured foot care will improves early detection, outcomes and overall prevention of complications.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted at Karatina Sub-County Hospital, where the diabetes clinic shifted from weekly to daily operations in March 2025. Foot screening and risk stratification were carried out using International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines. Data were collected over 10 months: five months before and five months after the transition.
Results
In the five months before daily clinics, an averages of 50 patients were seen per clinic,. All patients received foot care education, but none were screened. During this period, five patients were admitted with diabetic foot complications, and three died. In the five months following daily clinics, all patients continued to receive education and 1,581 were screened, averaging 15 per day. Risk stratification categorized 1,028 patients (65%) as rc0, 374 (23.7%) as rc1, 9 (0.57%) as rc2, and 170 (10.8%) as rc3. Twenty-one patients presented with active ulcers (rc3 – high risk) and were well managed without deaths or amputations. The daily clinic model enabled earlier identification, prioritized follow-up, and timely interventions for high-risk patients, significantly improving outcomes.
Conclusion
Daily diabetes clinics combined with structured risk stratification strengthened service delivery and improved prevention of diabetic foot complications. Despite implementation challenges, this model demonstrates that early identification and timely intervention can prevent most complications. It provides a practical strategy for prevention and control in resource-limited settings.
References
- AJOL article (http://www.ajol.info)
- MoH NCD 270
- MoH NCD 222
- Ward admission register
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Government of Kenya |
| Position | NCD CLINIC NURSE |
| Received a Grant? | No |
