Meet Fatima, a resilient 41-year-old woman from Guinea, Africa, who moved to the United States in 2023. When she first visited Malta House of Care in July of that year, little did she know that her journey would lead to improved health and well-being in just six short months.
During her initial visit, concerns arose when elevated blood sugar levels hinted at a potentially life-altering diagnosis. Initially prescribed oral medication for what was presumed to be Type 2 Diabetes, Fatima hesitated to commence treatment, feeling well and displaying no symptoms. However, a closer examination and subsequent lab tests unveiled a different reality: Fatima was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Fatima initially hesitated to start insulin treatment upon receiving the challenging news. However, the compassionate team at Malta House of Care provided unwavering support and guidance. Spending over two hours with Fatima, they delved into the intricacies of diabetes management, diet, exercise, and insulin administration. Despite the language barrier, as Fatima does not speak English, Malta ensured she received essential tools, including a glucometer and educational handouts, through the assistance of an interpreter.
In the ensuing weeks, Fatima’s journey to health continued with regular follow-ups and ongoing support from the Malta House of Care team. Despite navigating immigration challenges, unemployment, and language barriers, Fatima demonstrated remarkable progress. By January 2024, she had secured Medicaid coverage and appointments for continued diabetes management with Community Health Center and UConn Endocrinology.
Fatima’s story epitomizes the transformative impact of Malta House of Care’s comprehensive care model. Through timely diagnosis, compassionate support, and access to essential resources, individuals like Fatima are empowered to navigate life’s challenges and pursue a path to improved health and well-being.
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*Please note: “Fatima” is a fictional name given to a real patient at Malta in order to respect her privacy while highlighting the real impact of Malta House of Care’s support.
