When Dr. Albert Kalehezo first began working with children living with diabetes at the Kivu Diabetes Center; he knew he needed to build deeper expertise.
“I am a medical doctor with general knowledge of diabetes, but I initially had very limited exposure to pediatric diabetes,” he said. “When I started working at Kivu Diabetes Center, I sought opportunities to strengthen my skills, so I could provide optimal care for children living with diabetes.”
That search for knowledge led him to the Life for a Child Mentorship Program, where he was paired with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Nader Kasim in the United States.
What followed was six months of regular discussion, problem solving, and shared learning that changed how Albert cares for children with type 1 diabetes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Turning theory into practical care
“What this mentorship offered me most was the opportunity to bridge theory and practice,” Albert said. “Through discussions and practical examples, many concepts that once felt abstract became clearer.”
Working together, Albert and Nader explored patient cases and developed practical solutions that fit the realities of Albert’s clinic.
One example was how to adjust insulin doses for children. Rather than prescribing a fixed dose, Albert now adjusts bolus insulin according to meal size. Meals are categorized as large, medium, light, or small. This approach makes dosing more practical for families and easier to apply in everyday life.
Albert also gained access to medical references and research recommended by Nader, strengthening his clinical decision making. Albert said, “Nader understood my working environment very well.“
Translating clinical guidelines for the local setting
For Nader, the mentorship was about translating global best practice into practical care within Albert’s working environment.
“Mentoring Dr. Albert through the Life for a Child Mentorship Program has been a highlight of my year,” Nader said.
“Over our six months working together, my focus was on helping him translate standard diabetes guidelines into practical, effective care for his patients at the Kivu Diabetes Center.”
One area they worked on was introducing subcutaneous insulin dosing for treating diabetic ketoacidosis within the clinic. They also explored new ways to strengthen diabetes education for children and families, collaborating on a clinical education project using group messaging and video recordings.
“Seeing Dr. Albert’s clinical confidence grow has reinforced the immense value of sharing medical knowledge,” Nader said. “I stepped into this program hoping to offer useful guidance, but I am walking away having gained an exceptional colleague and a true friend.”
“Insulin, My Best Friend”
One of the most creative outcomes of this partnership was the creation of a song titled “Insulin, My Best Friend.” Dr. Albert composed the lyrics to help teach families the essentials of diabetes care in a way that is easy to remember.
The song includes practical instructions, such as “Taking my insulin every day, it’s what keeps me alive,” and teaches patients how to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. The song contains instructions on injecting insulin and how to identify diabetes in young people.
By turning management prompts into a melody, Albert and Nader have helped to increase understanding and retention of information, meaning knowledge stays with patients long after they leave the clinic.
Building skills that strengthen care
Albert says the mentorship has transformed his confidence in treating children with diabetes. And, the connection continues,
“Beyond mentorship, I gained a friend whom I can still contact for advice. We both hope to meet in person one day.”
Albert and Nader’s experience is one example of how the Life for a Child Mentorship Program is strengthening diabetes care. Launched in partnership with the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, the six-month virtual program connects clinicians from Life for a Child partners with experienced diabetes specialists around the world.
Mentees report improved skills in areas such as adjusting insulin doses, supporting families during sick days, and helping young people understand and manage their diabetes.
The mentorship program continues to grow, helping clinicians strengthen care for children living with type 1 diabetes in their communities.
Find out more about the Life for a Child Mentorship Program.