Written by Michael See
If you are like me, you’re always looking for new opportunities to expand your knowledge in our ever changing field and network with other Diabetes Educations. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend a number of Local Networking Groups (LNG) programs on diverse topics, ranging from Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), Motivational Interviewing and dietary approaches in the management of diabetes. Looking ahead, the Massachusetts AADE Programming Committee has been hard at work developing programs throughout the state.
You may ask, “How does the Massachusetts AADE state chapter come-up with programs”. We take a number of factors into consideration. We look at member surveys to identify programs of interest. We look to trends in the field such as technology (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors), changing therapies (oral agents, injectable), and emergences of new programs (Diabetes Prevention Program, digital health technology). We seek out experienced presenters with extensive experience. This year we are excited to offer a number of interesting programs.
Our first program of the year will be held on April 13th and hosted by the Western New England University Department of Pharmacy Practice. The program is entitled “Medication Update in Diabetes: Use What? When?” and will include a presentation and panel discussion. With twelve classifications of oral and injectable medications for the treatment of diabetes and numerous treatment algorithms, this is sure to be an interesting and thought provoking program.
How often do you think about diabetes managed outside of your clinical setting? Sure, access to care and therapeutic treatment options vary throughout the state and from primary care to specialty practice. But do you ever consider how diabetes is treated around the world and in underserved countries? On June 7th, Lowell General Hospital will host cultural anthropologist, Amy Morain-Thomas, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a program entitled “the Face of Diabetes in Belize and Around the World”. Her work focuses on the human and material entanglement that shape global health and medicine in practice. She has performed field works and archival research in Belize, Ghana, and Brazil. Her forthcoming book project, blends ethnographic stories and science writing with anthropological and historical analyses, offers a humanistic account of the global diabetes epidemic.
Perhaps you have heard about Omada Health, Noom or Canary Health. If not, you probably will. They represent just a few of digital producers of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. On June 22nd Beverly Hospital will host “Nutrition and Health Technology: Future Care Models for Prevention of Nutrition Based Illnesses”. The program will be co-presenters, Gillian Arathuzik, RD, CDE and Alaina Adams, PhD. Mrs. Arathuzik is co-author of Flat Belly Diet: Diabetes and one of the developers of the Joslin Why WAIT Program. Mrs. Adams is CEO of Boston-based Healthimation, a leader in nutrition and health technology, developing solutions that push the limits of new technologies and care models for the prevention of nutrition related illnesses. Their program will blend evidence-based clinical practice together with digital health technology.
One in four adults over the age of 60 has diabetes and the aging population is a significant driver of the diabetes epidemic. The heterogeneity of health status present challenges to determining standard intervention strategies that fit all older adults. On October 4th the Brockton VNA will host Medha Munshi, MD, Director, Joslin Geriatric Diabetes Program, as she present “Guidelines for the Care of Older Adults with Diabetes”. Dr. Munshi is a leader in the field of geriatrics and diabetes.
These are just a few of the learning and networking opportunities that are planned for 2017 and beyond. In the months to come, we will be announcing programs examining insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring, as we move closer to the closed-loop insulin delivery system. Additionally, we will be working with innovative companies in the state to present new technology that can change the way diabetes is managed. In 2018 Massachusetts AADE will host its biannual state-wide meeting. Visit MYAADE Network for programs and registration.
If you have a program idea or would like to get involved with Massachusetts AADE Program Committee, contact Michael See at seem@southcoast.org or Jane Hughes at fordey@gmail.com.
We look forward to meeting you.