Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, through its Department of Endocrinology and the CNE Cell, under the guidance of Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada (HOD, Department of Endocrinology) and Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal (Joint Medical Superintendent), successfully conducted a comprehensive Diabetes Health Education Programme today to mark World Diabetes Day. The initiative was designed to empower Health Care workers by promoting awareness and enhancing essential self-care practices to manage the rising burden of diabetes.
The two-hour session, held at LT-1, featured a stellar line-up of leading endocrinologists, nursing educators, and specialists who delivered expert talks on critical aspects of diabetes management.
The educational sessions of the Diabetes Health Education Programme provided a comprehensive overview of holistic diabetes care, spanning from foundational understanding and prevention to advanced management of complications. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada initiated the core topics by focusing on “Understanding Diabetes: Myths vs Facts,” where he provided detailed explanations on the various types of diabetes, key risk factors, identification of early symptoms, and the dismantling of common misconceptions, setting a strong knowledge base for the healthcare workers. Following this essential foundation, the programme shifted its focus to complication prevention, with Dr. Linta Thomas (Senior Resident) delivering an important session on “Protecting the Heart, Kidneys, Eyes, and Nerves,” emphasizing strategies to mitigate the long-term systemic damage often associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Addressing demographic-specific concerns, Prof. Rama Walia presented “Diabetes in Women: Gestational and Beyond,” covering the unique challenges faced by women, particularly regarding gestational diabetes and its implications. The session then explored key diagnostic and monitoring tools, with Prof. Naresh Sachdeva clarifying the crucial “Role of lab investigations in Diabetes management,” explaining which tests are necessary and why.
A significant portion of the programme was dedicated to lifestyle interventions and acute management. Mr. B.N. Behera (Chief Dietician) shared expert insights into “Healthy Eating for Diabetes Prevention and Control,” outlining practical dietary modifications. This was complemented by Dr. Sunil Mishra’s session on the necessity of “Physical Activity in Diabetes Management.” Multiple sessions focused specifically on insulin therapy: Dr. Soham Mukherjee provided a general overview of “Diabetes and Insulin,” followed by two practical, essential sessions—Mr. Sunil Kumar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) demonstrating the correct “Insulin injection technique,” and Mrs. Meenakshi Vyas (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) detailing proper “Insulin storage and transport.”
Monitoring skills were reinforced by Dr. Rekha Rani Nar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) presentation on “Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Why, When, and How,” providing clarity on using SMBG effectively. Addressing acute emergencies, Dr. Varun Singla covered “Hypoglycaemia: Prevention, diagnosis and Management.” Finally, special attention was given to lesser-discussed complications: Dr. Rimesh Pal spoke on “Diabetes and bone health,” and Dr. Ashu Rastogi and Dr. Benjamin collaborated on a detailed session on “Foot Care for People with Diabetes,” a vital aspect of preventing morbidity.
The programme concluded with an engaging Panel Discussion featuring Prof. Sanjay K Bhadada, (HOD Department of Endocrinology) Prof. Rama Walia, (Associate professor) Dr. Sukhpal Kaur(Principal NINE), Mrs. Jaspal Kaur(Chief Nursing Officer PGIMER) and Prof. Rimesh Pal, who addressed advanced clinical queries and best practices for diabetes care raised by the participating health care workers.
PGIMER reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuously training health care professionals through evidence-based education, thereby strengthening the health system’s capacity to manage and combat diabetes effectively.
