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Revolutionizing NCD Care: Bold Strategies and Impactful Advocacy from #ICPPA2024

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  Blog Cover Introduction As the curtains draw on the 1st International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA) 2024, the echoes of impassioned voices, insightful discussions, and groundbreaking revelations resonate far beyond the conference halls. This gathering, graced by high-level policymakers, healthcare professionals, people with severe NCDs, representatives from the World Health Organization, donors, and other key stakeholders, has been a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. From the heartfelt stories of individuals living with NCDs to the strategic dialogues on policy and implementation, ICPPA 2024 has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Stakeholder delegation from Zimbabwe Day One The first day of the conference was a dynamic exploration of pressing issues in global health, with a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly through the lens of the...

Changing the Narrative: Insights from Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes 2024

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  Introduction: Embarking on a journey to ATTD 2024 was more than just attending a conference; it was an odyssey into the heart of diabetes care innovation. From groundbreaking therapies to cutting-edge technologies, the insights shared at ATTD 2024 illuminated the path toward a brighter future for diabetes management worldwide. Here, we delve into the key highlights that define the essence of this transformative event, offering a glimpse into the advancements shaping the landscape of diabetes care. 1. CGM Improves Hypoglycemia Detection: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) improves the detection of hypoglycemia, aiding in timely intervention and management. 2. Islet Cell Therapy for Insulin Independence: Islet cell therapy offers the potential for insulin independence, reducing the need for exogenous insulin. 3. Restoration of Glucagon Response: Islet cell therapy restores the glucagon response, improving the body's counter-regulatory defense against hypoglycemia. 4. Restored Awar...

Navigating the Landscape of Diabetes Care with Prof. Chantal Mathieu: A Global Diabetes Insights Podcast Special

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In the ever-evolving world of diabetes care, gaining insights from leading experts becomes not just valuable but essential. In our episode of the Global Diabetes Insights Podcast, we had the privilege of delving into the vast knowledge and experiences of Professor Chantal Mathieu, Chair of Endocrinology at the University Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven and a distinguished figure in diabetes medicine. A Day in the Life of Prof. Chantal: Balancing Medicine and Beyond We started by getting a glimpse into a day in the life of Prof. Chantal, both pre and post-her illustrious medical career. Beyond the confines of her professional roles, we discovered a woman dedicated to the cause of diabetes care, whose journey reflects not only her medical expertise but a profound commitment to making a difference. Devotion to Diabetes Medicine: A Personal Calling Prof. Chantal shared what led her to devote her career to diabetes medicine. Her personal calling intertwined with professional dedication showcas...

Navigating Pediatric Diabetes with Dr. Jamie R. Wood: Insights from Global Diabetes Insights Podcast

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Introduction: In a recent episode of the Global Diabetes Insights podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Jamie R. Wood, a distinguished figure in pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Wood, currently serving as the Medical Director of Diabetes and Pediatric Endocrinology at Mary Blossom Lee Chair in Pediatric Diabetes, Senior Attending Physician at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University, and Secretary General of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes ( ISPAD ) shared her profound insights into pediatric diabetes care and beyond. The Human Side of Diabetes Care: Dr. Wood's journey in pediatric endocrinology has been marked by a commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families living with diabetes. Unlike just focusing on medical aspects, she has dedicated her career to empowering families to integrate diabetes into their lives without it dictating every aspect. This human touch was evident th...

Guiding Young People with Diabetes into Adult Care: #ISPAD2023

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,    I was fortunate to attend the  International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), ISPAD 49th Annual Conference.  The motto of the meeting was “Pediatric diabetes in a rapidly changing world".  While researc h and technology in diabetes develop at astounding speed, the world experiences new problems, conflicts, wars, and economic uncertainties.  Especially at such times, working together as ISPAD, securing the best care for children and youth with diabetes remains even more important. Thus, find below my key take-home message from the workshop I attended, entitled  ‘Mind the Gap: Guiding Young People with Diabetes into Adult Care’. Dr. med. Heiko Bratke shared how they helped children transitioning to adulthood at a camp, in Norway. They had individual dose adjustments, group learning sessions, preparing food together (counting carbs and treating acute hypos), and a lot more other things that a young person should manage to b...

World Diabetes Day: Commemoration at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals

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Group photo On the 23rd of November 2023, we had a special World Diabetes Day commemoration. Under the directive of the diabetes clinic at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH), we had an extraordinary workshop, in the presence of over 30 participants with support from brilliant speakers from PGH, Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospitals, and our international friends working in the field of diabetes, despite the short notice. Firstly, we had an overview of diabetes mellitus from our own Endocrinologist, Dr. Prisca Mureriwa-Matyanga. She asked the audience to participate, in order to build a rapport and in the process, getting the depth of how much they understood about their chronic condition. Dr. Prisca delved into the subject matter exquisitely, she spoke about how to begin to understand and or deal with diabetes in an effective way, goals for managing diabetes, ways to achieve such goals, and lastly, she shared the importance of exercise to people with diabetes. It is no secret that peopl...

Launch of Sinocare Diabetes Devices in Zimbabwe

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The group of people that attended the launch of Sinocare's Launch Diabetes imposes a substantial economic burden on countries, health systems, people with diabetes, and their families, as suggested by International Diabetes Federation, 2021. World Health Organization postulated that, globally, an estimated 537 million adults aged 20–79 years are currently living with diabetes (representing 10.5% of the world’s population in this age group as of 2021). It was awe-inspiring to witness, Sinocare launching some of its most awaited products in the Zimbabwean market. As a person living with diabetes, together with other Zimbabwean Leading Laboratory corporations and renowned diabetes organizations as part of the audience, with a greater understanding of how glucose monitoring is key for the achievement of glycemic targets, extremely commend Re-Med Pvt Ltd for partnering with Sinocare, in the hope to bring in the advent of new technology (that is evolving rapidly in both accuracy and af...