Status of diabetes management among children in the Katako-Kombe health zone, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2024

Background Managing diabetes in children requires a distinct approach from that of adults, involving trained teams to prevent complications and support families. Evidence from rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo is scarce. This study describes pediatric diabetes management in the Katako-Kombe Health Zone, Sankuru province. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted from July 1 to 31, 2024, across 13 facilities providing diabetes care. Thirty-two medical records of children aged 0–18 years and 55 healthcare providers were included through exhaustive sampling. Data were collected via documentary review and structured interviews using the ODK application. Records were assessed for completeness, and missing or inconsistent data were noted. Provider interviews were pre-tested, though formal validation was not performed. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics. Findings reflect facility-based cases and cannot be generalized to the wider population. Results The mean age of children was 10.9 ± 4.2 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5. Less than one-quarter were adolescents (15–18 years). School dropout affected one in four. Nearly 60% were unaware of family history, though 60% adhered to medical appointments. Over a quarter were followed at the General Referral Hospital. Limited follow-up and restricted access to insulin and monitoring devices increased risks of complications, including hypoglycemia and neuropathies. Conclusions Diabetes care for children in Katako-Kombe is fragile. Strengthening local capacity, improving access to treatment, and raising community awareness are urgent priorities.