Within EpiMaCT, Banfantini Lare explored diabetes and its neuropathies in Togo.
Banfantini Lare, chercheur·e au sein de EpiMaCT (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Ω-LIM-Biologie-Chimie-Santé (Limoges ; 2022-).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Banfantini Lare's thesis on the management of diabetes and the impact of peripheral neuropathies in Togo highlights a crucial public health issue that deserves particular attention. In sub-Saharan Africa, diabetes is on the rise, and this alarming trend is exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and an increasingly Westernized diet. However, epidemiological data remain largely insufficient, complicating the understanding of the extent of this epidemic. Less than 50% of diabetic individuals are aware of their condition, which complicates not only the implementation of prevention strategies but also access to appropriate and effective treatments. This situation underscores the importance of thorough and targeted research, such as that conducted by Banfantini Lare, which aims to fill these gaps by providing precise data on the prevalence of peripheral neuropathies, a common but often overlooked complication of diabetes.
The study uses Sudoscan, an innovative device that measures skin electrochemical conductance, to assess sudomotor function in diabetic patients. This tool, which has already proven effective in other contexts, could revolutionize the early screening of neuropathies. By allowing for rapid and non-invasive assessment, Sudoscan offers a unique opportunity for timely and targeted intervention. By defining reference values for the Togolese population, this research paves the way for a better understanding of diabetes complications and an improvement in care. It could also encourage other countries in the region to adopt similar tools to better manage this disease.
Preliminary results show an absence of reference values for skin electrochemical conductance in Togo, highlighting the urgency of integrating this tool into the medical assessment of healthy individuals. This is all the more crucial in a country where health resources are limited and where every technological advancement can have a significant impact. In parallel, the thesis proposes strategic recommendations, including the promotion of lifestyle intervention programs. These programs could include awareness campaigns on the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, and stress management, in order to reduce the risk of complications in diabetic patients. These recommendations could transform the way diabetes is managed in Togo, placing prevention at the heart of public health concerns.
It is imperative that policymakers take these results into account to develop appropriate health policies. Awareness and early screening are essential levers to improve the quality of life for diabetic patients and reduce the burden of complications on the healthcare system. Indeed, the cost of care related to diabetes complications, such as amputations due to neuropathies, can be exorbitant and weigh heavily on the finances of families and the healthcare system. Banfantini Lare's thesis represents a significant advancement in the fight against diabetes in Togo, but it also calls for collective mobilization to implement the proposed recommendations.
To go further, it would be wise to consider collaborations with international organizations and NGOs working in the health sector in West Africa. These partnerships could strengthen local capacities, train healthcare professionals, and develop infrastructures suited to diabetes management. Furthermore, it would be relevant to integrate this research into a regional framework, sharing results with other West African countries to create a network of knowledge and best practices. In summary, Banfantini Lare's thesis is not only an academic contribution but also a call to action for all health stakeholders in Togo and beyond.
Données clés
- 22,9 millions : incidence mondiale du diabète en 2019
- 476 millions : prévalence mondiale du diabète en 2019
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Sources et accès
Banfantini Lare. Prise en charge du diabète et impact sur les neuropathies périphériques au Togo. Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Limoges; Université de Lomé (Togo), 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024LIMO0010⟩. ⟨tel-04500640⟩