In 2021, the World Diabetes Foundation estimated that about 1 million people in Afghanistan are living with diabetes. Unfortunately, this is the case for 54-year-old Nadir Son of Sultan who traveled over 250 miles to receive medical care at Afshar Hospital. Nadir has been dealing with diabetes for 20 years! In those 20 years, he has only received medical care twice and has never received diabetes education. Upon arrival at Afshar Hospital, his fasting blood glucose level was 574 mg/dL; a normal fasting blood glucose range is 99 mg/dL or below.

Staff at Afshar Hospital quickly decided that Nadir needed to be admitted into the hospital to stabilize his blood glucose levels and provide him with much-needed diabetes education. During his hospital stay, he was taught to check his blood glucose levels, administer insulin to himself, and the vital role dieting and exercise have on diabetes. His blood glucose levels were stable when he was discharged from Afshar Hospital, and he was given oral hypoglycemic medications from Americares. Despite being illiterate, the staff took the time to teach Nadir how to read numbers for the sake of improving his quality of life. After two weeks Nadir attended his follow-up appointment, and the staff was happy to learn that his blood glucose was in the normal range. Nadir left Afshar Hospital happy, healthy, and overly thankful for the quality care he received.

Together, we are building healthy communities worldwide! Thank you for your support!