DIABETES UPDATE WORKSHOP – ‘ENHANCING MANAGEMENT WITH DIABETES TECHNOLOGIES’

Abstract

Introduction. The rapid rise of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Malaysia, and its associated multitude of complications is increasingly concerning. As DM complications are generally attributed to poor and erratic glycemia control, the need for convenience is paramount, and reflected in the surge of modern devices for monitoring. Although modern technologies for diabetes control is increasingly available, the utilization in this country is inadequate, notably due to insufficient exposure in primary-care facilities. This program aimed to educate health-care workers on the utility of modern devices in diabetes management in a practical manner. Method. A diabetes management update workshop was designed for practical information dissemination among frontline health-care practitioners from various training backgrounds on the use of modern technologies in DM management. Information sharing was structured with lectures interspersed with case discussion and practical sessions. Program outline: Knowledge-sharing was initiated by an overview on diabetes technologies by an endocrinologist, followed by sessions on optimal management of diabetes in elderly and kidney disease, during pregnancy and in Ramadhan, delivered by content experts. A clinical case panel discussion ensued with robust interaction. Subsequently, small-group sessions on specific topics encompassing proper handling of insulin, lifestyle modification with the aid of modern software, and medication titration during illness were orchestrated. As a special feature, a hands-on workshop on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system was conducted with actual patient-volunteers, and with active involvement from the participants. Result. This program was successful with numerous positive feedback and requests for regular training programs. Conclusion. Adequate use of diabetes technologies in the community requires proper education of relevant health-care workers and dissemination of information to various levels of clinical practice. Similar structured programs should be conducted in various centres to enhance knowledge transfer and improve patient care.