Empowering Diabetes Management: A Personal Perspective.

Empowering Diabetes Management: A Personal Perspective. | Attending Roche Diagnostics Malaysia’s event held in conjunction with International Nurses Day was both enlightening and personally significant for me. As someone with a history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and a mother living with diabetes, the discussions on accessible diabetes care resonated deeply. 

The focus was on empowering individuals through connected blood glucose monitoring and personalized diabetes management.

A Crucial Conversation in the Diabetes Epidemic

Roche brought together healthcare experts for a panel discussion that tackled key aspects of diabetes self-management. The conversation centered around structured blood glucose monitoring (BGM) using blood glucose meters (BGMs), which the World Health Organization deems a ‘priority medical device’ for people living with diabetes.

Introducing Roche’s Integrated Personalized Diabetes Management (iPDM)

The highlight of the event was the introduction of Roche’s integrated Personalised Diabetes Management (iPDM) approach. Bryan Koh, Cluster Head of Asia Pacific Mature Markets, Roche Diabetes Care,emphasized Roche's commitment to advancing accessible diabetes care. He spoke about the company's dedication to providing patient-centered solutions that empower individuals to manage their diabetes effectively.

The Importance of Structured Self-Management

Dr. Lim Lee Ling, Associate Professor of Medicine and Head of the Diabetes Care Unit at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, highlighted the urgent need for structured self-management to alleviate the financial, physical, and psychological burdens of diabetes. She underscored the importance of a balanced approach, involving dietary modifications, fitness regimens, and personalized diabetes management.

Enhancing Daily Diabetes Management

Dr. Lim's insights on the availability and affordability of diabetes care struck a chord with me. She discussed the continuous support for promoting adherence to diabetes management, including home blood glucose monitoring and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers. This approach aims to empower people living with diabetes (PwDs) to manage their condition proactively and avoid complications.

Connecting Data for Better Outcomes

Bryan Koh further explained how connecting BGMs to diabetes management apps can centralize therapy information for healthcare professionals and caregivers. This connectivity allows for timely therapy adjustments, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and quality of life for PwDs. As someone who has navigated the complexities of GDM, I found this particularly promising.

Collaborative Care: The Role of Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals

Nurse Yong Lai Mee, President of the Malaysian Diabetes Educators Society, stressed the importance of a collaborative approach in diabetes management. She highlighted the roles of caregivers and healthcare professionals in providing tailored support and motivation for PwDs. Her emphasis on the personalized nature of diabetes management echoed my experiences with my mother’s journey and my own.

The Growing Diabetes Challenge

The statistics shared during the event were staggering. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is a growing global challenge, with prevalence rates predicted to rise significantly by 2045. In Malaysia, 1 in 5 adults has diabetes, almost double the global prevalence. These figures underscore the urgent need for effective, patient-centric, and data-driven care solutions.

Moving Forward with iPDM

The event concluded with a strong message: the future of diabetes care lies in personalization, connectivity, and collaboration. By leveraging technology and fostering strong partnerships between PwDs, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, we can improve diabetes management and reduce its burden on individuals and healthcare systems alike.

Personal Reflections

Attending this event was a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible and effective diabetes management. As someone who has experienced the challenges of GDM and witnessed my mother’s diabetes journey, I left with a renewed sense of hope. Roche’s commitment to advancing diabetes care through iPDM and collaborative efforts offers a promising path forward. Together, we can navigate the complexities of diabetes management and empower PwDs to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

#UnitedWeManageDiabetesBetter
#ConnectingWhatCounts
#DiabetesCare

References

1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. (2021).https://diabetesatlas.org/
2. WHO list of priority medical devices for management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021
3. https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Rujukan/NCD/Diabetes/National_Diabetes_Registry_Report_2013-2019_26082021.pdf