Gauteng Health Dept: 65% of monitored patients achieving reasonable glycaemic control

The Gauteng Health Department says monitoring and evaluation remain key to its performance targets.

One of its main indicators is how well patients with diabetes are managing their blood sugar levels.

The department reports that about 65% of monitored patients in the province are achieving reasonable glycaemic control, meaning their glycated hemoglobin is within target ranges.

This was revealed at a World Diabetes Day event at the Protea South Community Hall in Soweto on Friday, aimed at raising awareness about the chronic disease.

Provincial clinical advisor, Gauhelo Molefe, said that monthly reports helped identify gaps and improve compliance with treatment protocols.

"So every month facilities, managers, our executives do get a report on that, so we are tightening it, seeing where the gaps are."

The department added that its latest annual report showed the proportion of patients testing at or below an HbA1c of eight percent rose to 66%, thanks to more diligent monitoring and treatment.

Officials said they were working with stakeholders to develop innovative strategies to combat high diabetes rates.