NewZNew (Chandigarh) : World Diabetes Day was observed at PGIMER, Chandigarh in association with Becton Dickinson India Pvt Ltd (BD India) with a call to combat Psychological Insulin Resistance (PIR) or resistance to initiating insulin therapy which affects children and adults living with diabetes, alike. On this occasion, doctors from PGI along with international experts provided tips on overcoming needle phobia in children who are on insulin injections.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anil Bhansali, Head, Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, said, “Needle length is important to alleviate the fear of injections, shorter the needle, lesser is the psychological barrier to injecting oneself. Shorter needles provide safety from injecting into muscle, as an insulin injection in the muscle may lead to hypoglycemia. Appropriate injection technique is the main stay of insulin therapy for diabetes management. Unfortunately, this is not often practiced in our country. Proper measures, if followed, can bring relief to the patient in achieving the optimal glycemic control.”
According to experts, the success of insulin injection therapy and the adherence to it depends on several factors such as a smooth insulin initiation process with counselling that alleviates the fear of needles, the insulin regime, length of needle and the method of administration, For example, it is always preferable to keep injectable therapy at room temperature, use a new needle for each injection, choose shorter needles with a smaller diameter, and inspect and palpitate the skin prior to each injection to ensure a comfortable injection experience.
Dr. Lawrence Hirsch, Worldwide Vice President-Medical Affairs, Diabetes Care at BD, said, “New technology is helping diabetes patients around the world live healthy lives through innovative products and educational services that bring improved efficacy, comfort and convenience to diabetes injection therapy. For example, BD’s development of very short needles, based on our studies of insulin injection site anatomy, is revolutionizing the way injections are given today by offering an easier, less painful experience that may improve adherence to therapy.”
BD India conducted a workshop with children living with Type 1 diabetes, where Dr Hirsch gave a live demonstration of correct injection techniques to patients and families. Young children, many of whom were accompanied by their families, narrated their experiences and how they managed their condition. Insulin remains the mainstay of treatment for Type-1 patients. Insulin therapy aims to achieve optimal blood sugar levels without causing undue lowering of blood sugar or excessive weight gain and minimize the impact of diabetes on one’s lifestyle.
Dr Sanjay Kumar Bhadada, Organizing Secretary, ESICON 2014 & Additional Professor Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER said “Type-1 Diabetes also known as Juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes affects about 4% of people living with diabetes. Insulin remains the mainstay of treatment for such people. Most of us suffer from needle phobia, more sochildren. Appropriate counseling, correct insulin injection technique, healthy changes in lifestyle and positive attitude can make management of ones diabetes simpler.”
At the end of the program, blue and white balloons (symbol of World Diabetes Day) were released in the sky by PGIMER doctors, BD India team along with the children. The children were taken around for a city tour on a city tourism bus accompanied with their families.
