FRIENDS FOREVER MEET UP –   JAN 2024

The Monthly Meet of the “Friends Forever” support group for type 1 diabetes was conducted virtually on 30.1.2024. The topic of this month’s meet was “Challenges in type 1 diabetes management”.

• Insulin injection technique (including loading, priming, and sites of injection) and common mistakes committed during insulin administration (such as mixup between 40IU and 100 IU syringes) were discussed.
• Hypoglycemia management and prevention of over correction of low sugars causing later exacerbation of hyperglycemia were also discussed.
• Importance of basal and bolus insulin adjustments was emphasized with the assistance of various case scenarios. Insulin – Carb Ratio (ICR) and Insulin- Sensitivity Factor (ISF)  were also discussed with practical examples.
• The topic of “SICKDAY GUIDELINES” was highlighted, taking into account a recent increase in the frequency of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) due to poor sick-day management by parents and children. Importance of not stopping Insulin during the sick days was explained to the participants.
• Checking ketones using blood and urine ketone strips to guide immediate management at home was also highlighted.
• Importance of SMBG and maintaining log book was explained.
• Management of hyperglycemia (including use of correction doses) was also discussed. The need for avoiding overcorrection and its effects on the blood sugars were explained with examples.
• Effects of physical activity on sugars and consumption of pre-workout snacks according to the pre-exercise blood sugars were explained. Effects of insulin injection site on pre and post-workout blood sugars and effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on blood sugars were also highlighted.
• Importance of family support and benefits of psycho – social support on type 1 diabetes control were highlighted and effect of stress on blood sugars and the mental health of the children were also discussed.