Identifying the necessary capacities for the adaptation of a diabetes phenotyping algorithm in countries of differing economic development status.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, the World Health Organization recognised diabetes as a clinically and pathophysiologically heterogeneous set of related diseases. Little is currently known about the diabetes phenotypes in the population of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet identifying their different risks and aetiology has great potential to guide the development of more effective, tailored prevention and treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study reviewed the scope of diabetes datasets, health information ecosystems, and human resource capacity in four countries to assess whether a diabetes phenotyping algorithm (developed under a companion study) could be successfully applied. METHODS: The capacity assessment was undertaken with four countries: Trinidad, Malaysia, Kenya, and Rwanda. Diabetes programme staff completed a checklist of available diabetes data variables and then participated in semi-structured interviews about Health Information System (HIS) ecosystem conditions, diabetes programme context, and human resource needs. Descriptive analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Only Malaysia collected the full set of the required diabetes data for the diabetes algorithm, although all countries did collect the required diabetes complication data. An HIS ecosystem existed in all settings, with variations in data hosting and sharing. All countries had access to HIS or ICT support, and epidemiologists or biostatisticians to support dataset preparation and algorithm application. CONCLUSIONS: Malaysia was found to be most ready to apply the phenotyping algorithm. A fundamental impediment in the other settings was the absence of several core diabetes data variables. Additionally, if countries digitise diabetes data collection and centralise diabetes data hosting, this will simplify dataset preparation for algorithm application. These issues reflect common LMIC health systems' weaknesses in relation to diabetes care, and specifically highlight the importance of investment in improving diabetes data, which can guide population-tailored prevention and management approaches.

HbA1c variability and the development of nephropathy in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus from Rwanda.

AIM: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of nephropathy and investigate whether high and fluctuating HbA1c levels were associated with development of nephropathy among T1 diabetes individuals in Rwanda. METHODS: From 2009 to 2018, 471 T1 diabetes individuals from Rwanda were assessed for nephropathy (albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g). We calculated the mean HbA1c (HbA1c-MEAN) and two measures of HbA1c variability, i.e. A): intra-individual standard deviation (HbA1c-SD), adjusted for HbA1c assessments (HbA1c-AdjSD) and coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV) and B): (number of HbA1c variability measures > 11 mmol/mol between two measures/number of comparisons between measurements)*100. We followed individuals from first ACR-measurement (baseline) until nephropathy, death or last ACR-measurement (end-of-follow-up), and calculated HRs for developing nephropathy using Cox-regression. RESULTS: The incidence and prevalence of nephropathy were 25% and 40%, respectively. All HbA1c variability measures were associated with lower HRs of developing nephropathy, i.e. individuals with HbA1c-AdjSD levels of 0.8-1.5%, 1.5-2.1% and > 4.1% had 53% (95 %CI:0.26;0.86), 55% (95 %CI:0.25;0.82) and 53% (95 %CI:0.26;0.84) lower HRs, respectively, of nephropathy compared to individuals with HbA1c-AdjSD < 0.8%. Results did not change after adjustments, though some estimates were no longer significant. Individuals with adjusted HbA1c-MEAN 9.9-11.4% and > 11.4% had HRs of 1.7 (95 %CI: 0.87;3.32) and 1.8 (95 %CI: 0.94;3.50) compared to individuals with HbA1c-MEAN of 4.9-8.5%. CONCLUSION: The incidence and prevalence of nephropathy was high. Higher mean HbA1c was associated with higher HRs of developing nephropathy whereas higher HbA1c variability was associated with lower HRs of nephropathy. This indicates that higher HbA1c levels rather than fluctuating HbA1c levels is a risk factor for developing nephropathy.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among women attending antenatal care at public health centers in Rwanda.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among women attending public health centers in Rwanda using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 diagnostic criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 281 pregnant women attending antenatal care at urban and rural public health centers. Diagnostic testing was performed between 24 and 32 weeks gestation using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous plasma glucose was centrifuged within one hour and measured at one of two laboratories. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: GDM prevalence was 3.2%, (4.28% urban and 2.13% rural). Women diagnosed with GDM were older, had higher BMI, hypertension, and glycosuria of ≥2+. None with HIV (14/281) had GDM. All women reported birth outcomes. All women with GDM (9/281) had normal glucose values postpartum and therefore it is unlikely that any women had overt diabetes. CONCLUSION: This study adds important information about the GDM prevalence in Rwanda, which is a resource-limited country. Although the prevalence of 3.2% was low, significant risk factors for GDM were identified. We anticipate that the risk factors for developing GDM will increase in the near future, similar to the global trend of obesity and diabetes, necessitating continued research and education in this important condition that carries a double burden of disease to both mothers and infants.

Glucose control in Rwandan youth with type 1 diabetes following establishment of systematic, HbA1c based, care and education.

AIMS: To assess change in glycemic control concurrent with increased clinic visits, HbA1c testing, and education. Rates of complications were also examined. METHODS: A 1-2 year follow-up of 214 members of the Rwanda Life for a Child program (aged <26 years) with a first HbA1c between June 2009 and November 2010 was conducted. Data were analyzed for the entire cohort and by age (<18 years, ≥18 years). Trajectory analysis was performed to identify trends in HbA1c. RESULTS: Mean overall HbA1c decreased significantly from baseline (11.2 ± 2.7%; 99 ± 30 mmol/mol) to one- (10.2 ± 2.6%; 88 ± 28 mmol/mol) and two- (9.8 ± 26%; 84 ± 25 mmol/mol) year follow up visits. The prevalence of microalbuminuria did not significantly change (21.0%, 18.8%, and 19.6%), nor did nephropathy (4.7%, 7.8%, and 5.4%). However, rates of hypertension (31.8%, 44.9%, and 40.3%) were higher than expected. Five HbA1c groups were identified by trajectory analysis, and those with the worst control monitored their glucose significantly fewer times per week. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of regular care, HbA1c testing, and increased education is associated with significant improvements in glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in sub-Saharan Africa, but the high prevalence of hypertension is of concern.