We regularly see patients with wounds that will not heal due to diabetes. For example, Fanta (40) came back to Lion Heart for a few months because a small wound on her foot had completely escalated. The uncontrolled blood sugar had damaged the nerves in her foot, prevented wound healing and attracted bacteria. Unfortunately, we eventually had to decide to amputate her lower leg, but Fanta was mostly relieved afterwards. "I feel much better," she said. “The pain is gone, I finally understand what is wrong with me and can control the problem.”
Diabetes is common in Sierra Leone, but most people don't know they have it until they develop serious complications. That is why we are working to increase knowledge about diabetes, for example during our visits to the clinics in our region. Medications to treat diabetes are also very difficult to get in Sierra Leone (and many other countries). We are therefore very happy with the support of Insulin for Life Netherlands, who have been providing us with insulin, test strips and other supplies for years!
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