An internship report on nutritional management of diabetic patients at BIRDEM General Hospital

Abstract

BIRDEM, an esteemed institution situated in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka, is a comprehensive medical, academic, and research center specializing in the study and treatment of diabetes, endocrine, and metabolic disorders in Bangladesh. The government orchestrated the provision of funding for the creation of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB), which subsequently occupied three expansive multi-story structures. Out of the total bed capacity of 542, the hospital, situated inside a 15-story structure, designates 80 beds specifically for disadvantaged individuals suffering from diabetes. More than 3,000 individuals are seen and undergo medical examinations on a daily basis. Bangladesh's healthcare system is characterized by its substantial provision of clinical and diagnostic resources. BIRDEM's clinical services provide complete diabetic treatment to all registered patients with diabetes, without any associated costs. Diabetes patients are provided with complimentary medical treatment via the implementation of the "Cross Financing" initiative, whereby funds are generated by levying charges on other patients for their medical and diagnostic services. I was assigned the responsibility of overseeing the interior space. During my time at the indoor facility, I had the opportunity to engage with patients from all backgrounds and with diverse medical conditions. My primary area of interest is in persons with diabetes who also suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), stroke, and electrolyte imbalances. I consistently saw patients of this kind on a regular basis. I engaged in conversations with the patients while doing rounds inside the wards, gathering insights into their present medical statuses, dietary needs, and any associated difficulties, which I appropriately documented. Furthermore, it is important to give due consideration to their dietary regimen.