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 medications, 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 (HCMUMPH) 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 and practical knowledge to help diabetic patients have a comprehensive care method, follow up at:

https://bit.ly/Congnghetrongquanlydaithaoduong

MSc. Dr. 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 people with diabetes. 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 are 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 on 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 properly; 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 about 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 their 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 from 60 mg/dL to more than 300 mg/dL. In recent years, the patient has been hospitalized frequently due to severe hypoglycemic episodes causing impaired consciousness, and about 5 hospitalizations due to hyperglycemic ketoacidosis coma. When admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, the patient was actively advised by the doctors and nurses of the Department of Endocrinology about diet and how to properly inject insulin and how to self-treat episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

In addition, patients are fitted with continuous glucose monitoring devices so that doctors and nurses can provide remote support when the patient is at home. After a few months, blood sugar levels are more stable, reducing hypoglycemic episodes. After treatment, patients do not have to be hospitalized for hyperglycemic coma, return to a stable life, feel comfortable, and reduce 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 that helps patients control their blood sugar continuously without having to prick their finger, thereby supporting doctors and patients to adjust their treatment regimen promptly. 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, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in collaboration with Embecta Vietnam Co., Ltd. and Abbott Vietnam Company will organize a free direct consultation program on diabetes at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital for the first 100 patients to register by phone 028 3952 5354.

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