Application of advanced technology in diabetes management

Diabetes is on the rise alarmingly in low- and middle-income countries, including Vietnam.

To effectively manage this disease, patients need a comprehensive treatment regimen including a reasonable diet, regular physical exercise, taking prescribed medication, and self-care skills such as self-monitoring blood sugar and injecting insulin . In particular, mental support from family and community is also an important factor in helping patients reduce stress and anxiety, thereby maintaining sustainable health.

Consulting program applying advanced technology in diabetes management

Recently, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital (HCMUMP) in collaboration with Embecta Vietnam Co., Ltd. and Abbott Vietnam Company organized an online consultation program with the theme " Applying advanced technology in diabetes management: Comprehensive health care and a strong spirit ", providing in-depth, practical knowledge to help diabetic patients have a comprehensive care method, follow up at:

https://bit.ly/Congnghetrongquanlydaithaoduong

MSc. Nguyen Minh Man, Head of the Clinical Psychology Unit at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized the importance of mental health care for diabetic patients. This disease not only affects the physical but also creates a lot of heavy psychological pressure. Patients often face the fear of complications, stress in maintaining daily disease management and financial pressure . Many patients even feel lonely, self-conscious and at risk of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression.

To help patients overcome psychological difficulties, Master - Doctor Nguyen Minh Man recommends comprehensive interventions such as individual psychotherapy, group counseling, and education on stress management skills . These measures not only help patients raise awareness of their health condition but also help patients maintain a positive spirit, ready to face and overcome challenges in life.

Dr. Tran Viet Thang, Deputy Head of the Department of Endocrinology, focused on instructing insulin self-injection techniques, an important step in caring for diabetic patients. For insulin injections to be most effective, patients need to follow these steps:

• Prepare carefully before injection : Check the correct name and dose of insulin, warm and homogenize the insulin, and thoroughly disinfect the injection area.
• Perform the injection technique correctly : Use the appropriate needle, attach and remove the needle correctly; choose the appropriate injection site such as the abdomen, thigh or arm, and rotate the injection site frequently to avoid lipodystrophy. After the injection, hold the needle for 10 seconds to allow the insulin to fully enter the body.
• Proper insulin storage : Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, while opened insulin can be stored at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Tran Quang Nam examines a patient

Dr. Tran Viet Thang also warned of common mistakes such as not homogenizing insulin before injection, reusing needles, not rotating injection sites , and not holding the needle after injection. These mistakes can lead to loss of insulin, poor blood sugar control, and pain for the patient. The doctor emphasized that practicing the correct injection technique not only helps patients overcome the fear of injections but also ensures effective treatment and minimizes the risk of complications.

Ms. NTN, 30 years old, living in Vinh Long , has had type 1 diabetes for over 10 years, is being injected with insulin many times a day, however, blood sugar fluctuates a lot from 60 mg/dL to more than 300 mg/dL. In recent years, the patient has been hospitalized frequently because of severe hypoglycemic episodes causing impaired consciousness, and about 5 hospitalizations because of hyperglycemic coma due to ketoacidosis. When admitted to the Endocrinology Department of University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, the patient was actively advised by the doctors and nurses of the Endocrinology Department about diet and how to properly inject insulin and how to self-treat hypoglycemic episodes.

In addition, the patient is fitted with a continuous glucose monitoring device so that doctors and nurses can provide remote support when the patient is at home. After a few months, the blood sugar level is more stable, reducing hypoglycemic episodes. After treatment, the patient does not have to be hospitalized for hyperglycemic coma, returns to a stable life, feels comfortable, and reduces stress in life.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Quang Nam, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, further emphasized the benefits that advanced technology brings in the journey of diabetes management. The continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) is an important tool to help patients control their blood sugar continuously without having to prick their finger, thereby supporting doctors and patients to adjust their treatment regimen in a timely manner. Along with that, the UMC Care mobile application of University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City integrates many features to support patients such as reminding them to take medication, updating indicators and storing health records, helping patients and doctors easily monitor their condition and adjust treatment effectively.

Coming up, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Embecta Vietnam Co., Ltd. and Abbott Vietnam Company, will organize a free direct consultation program on diabetes at University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City for the first 100 patients to register by phone at 028 3952 5354.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ung-dung-cong-nghe-tien-tien-trong-quan-ly-dai-thao-duong-185241110124951936.htm