Miscellaneous
Rising food insecurity coupled with strained health care systems has created new challenges for those managing diabetes during the Covid-19 pandemic. When food is scarce and meals are inconsistent, diabetics may experience extreme blood sugar spikes--or dips--that can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and even death. In Sudan, where the number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased 65% since last year, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Omer Babiker says malnutrition has become a serious problem among his diabetic patients. "We see, on a weekly basis, patients that have malnutrition" said Babiker, the deputy director of the Sudanese Childhood Diabetes Association. As a result, many patients' blood sugar has become uncontrolled and some are facing acute complications due to a lack of food. Others have been unable to access health care services because of Sudan's nationwide lockdown. For Babiker's patients, the consequences have been severe. On this episode of the podcast, we speak with Dr. Babiker about how the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting his patients and escalating the risks of their condition.