The Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, ICMR-YDR (Young Diabetes Registry) jointly organised the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) follow-up and education programme on the 19th of November, 2022 at the new OPD Complex, PGIMER.
The programme was planned to mark the world diabetes day which is observed on the 14th of November each year. Nearly 100-150 patients and their families attended the programme. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sanjay K. Bhadada, Head, Department of Endocrinology, spoke briefly about the magnitude of the problem, burden of its complications and management. The department faculty and residents educated the patients and their families about T1DM, goals of treatment, insulin injection techniques, carbohydrate counting, insulin-carbohydrate ratio (ICR) and insulin-sensitivity factor (ISF) based bolus dose adjustments. Management of hypoglycemia and acute hyperglycemic crises (diabetic ketoacidosis) were also addressed and sickday guidelines were emphasised. Awareness about pregnancy and its management, psychiatric issues as well as ongoing research in type 1 diabetes were also included in the programme. Dietary counselling was performed by the dietetics department,
PGIMER.
Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Renal transplant surgery, talked about the scope and complications of simultaneous-pancreatic kidney transplant. Prof. Bhadada concluded the session by highlighting the fact that scientific progress is marching at a great pace and a once-weekly insulin may soon be a reality for the patients in the near future.
The programme also included various screening and regular investigations for the patients. Blood pressure monitoring, height, weight were recorded and blood and urine samples of all the patients were collected for tests. Fundus examination for diabetic retinopathy screening was also performed. Further, patients were counselled about the importance of diet, exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle. Patients and their caregivers were also applauded for their continuous efforts and
the fact that T1DM is a difficult disease, was acknowledged. At the same time, the fact that insulin is life for these patients was reiterated.