Diabetes Screening and Education Camp, Haripad

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, a screening and education camp was conducted in collaboration with the Lions Club at Haripad. The camp, led by Dr. Yaseen Unes, focused on providing free diabetes screenings and raising awareness about diabetes prevention and management. Participants received personalized health consultations, lifestyle advice, and education on maintaining optimal glucose levels. The event witnessed an excellent turnout, with enthusiastic participation from the local community.

Diabetes Screening and Education Camp, Vazhakala, Kochi

On 17th November 2024, a World Diabetes Month (WDM) camp was organized at St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Church, Vazhakala, in collaboration with JDC2 Cochin, under the leadership of Dr. Asha Ashik

The camp focused on raising awareness about diabetes and providing free health services to the community. Attendees benefited from free diabetes screenings, risk assessments, and educational sessions on managing and preventing diabetes. Dr. Asha Ashik led the team in addressing participants' queries, emphasizing the importance of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and consistent monitoring to prevent complications. The camp witnessed active participation from the local community, fostering awareness and proactive health management.

DREAMS Diabetes Academy, Class 10

The ninth session of the DREAMS Diabetes Academy was held on November 20, 2024, via the DREAMS Academy web portal. Ms. Gopika Beena Chandran, Diabetes Educator and Lead for Clinical Trials at Jothydev’s Diabetes Hospital and Research Centre, delivered an enlightening lecture on "SMBG - Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose."

Ms. Gopika provided a detailed overview of the equipment used for SMBG and demonstrated the proper steps for accurate blood glucose monitoring. She emphasized the importance of SMBG in diabetes management and introduced participants to the MySugr app, explaining its features and benefits.

The session was attended by 26 participants and their parents. It concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to clarify their queries and enhance their understanding of SMBG techniques and tools.

DREAMS Practicals, Calicut-Malappuram

The 8th session of DREAMS Practicals was held on November 23, 2024, at the Lions Service Centre, Malaparamba, Kerala. This inspiring program brought together participants from Calicut and Malappuram districts, including 37 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents or caretakers. The session commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. This warm and interactive start created a sense of belonging and community. The educational components of the session focused on key aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Practical demonstrations reinforced these lessons, covering glucose meter usage, correct insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices.
To ensure the day was lively and engaging, various fun-filled activities were organized. Children enjoyed games like Passing the Ball and skipping rope, which added a playful element to the day. A Zumba session further energized the participants. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children were arranged in a circle, each holding a blue balloon—a symbol of the global diabetes community and unity. The session concluded with an insightful discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to address their concerns and clarify doubts. Tokens of appreciation were distributed to all participants, and game winners received practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, strips and utility gifts. This session underscored the holistic mission of DREAMS Practicals—combining education, empowerment, and enjoyment to equip T1D families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need for confident and effective diabetes management.

DREAMS Practicals, Trissur-Palakkad

The 9th session of DREAMS Practicals took place on November 24, 2024, at the Engineers Club - Technical Library Building, Trissur, Kerala. The event had participants from both Trissur and Palakkad districts, including 31 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents/caretakers. The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. The educational segments covered vital aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Hands-on demonstrations were conducted to teach correct glucose meter usage, insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices, enhancing participants' practical skills. Interactive and fun-filled activities kept the energy high throughout the day. Parents engaged in a Balancing Game, symbolizing the skillful juggling of their social, work, and family responsibilities alongside managing their child’s health. Meanwhile, children participated in a lively Disc-Throwing Game.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children tied blue ribbons to their wrists and made a circle together, as a symbolic gesture representing the global diabetes community and the unity of those managing T1D. The session concluded with a discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A. As a token of appreciation, practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips were distributed to all participants, and game winners were rewarded with utility gifts. The session concluded with a walkathon for T1D children and their parents, symbolizing resilience and raising awareness for World Diabetes Month. This event highlighted the holistic approach of DREAMS Practicals, combining education, empowerment, and unity to equip T1D families with the tools and confidence for effective diabetes management.

Free Diabetes Screening and Education Camp at Kesavadev Road Residence Association

A free diabetes screening and education camp was successfully conducted on 24th November 2024 at the Kesavadev Road Residence Association as part of the World Diabetes Month (WDM) activities. The camp aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, encourage early detection, and provide valuable educational resources to the community.

Participants benefited from free blood glucose testing, diabetes risk assessments, and personalized consultations with healthcare professionals. Educational sessions focused on lifestyle modifications, healthy eating habits, and the importance of regular monitoring to prevent diabetes-related complications. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from residents, fostering a proactive approach to diabetes care and prevention.

CGM Workshop at Trivandrum

The workshop on "Glycemic Variability in T2DM: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System," held on 28th November 2024 at The Central Residency Hotel, Trivandrum, was a resounding success, with over 150 doctors from Trivandrum in attendance. Organized by IMA Nemom, the event featured engaging and insightful sessions moderated by Dr. V. Mohanan Nair.

Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev delivered an expert overview on glycemic variability and the role of CGM, while Dr. Arun Shankar presented a practical, case-based approach to managing glycemic variability. The interactive format and knowledge-rich discussions captivated the audience, fostering meaningful dialogue on innovative diabetes management strategies.

DREAMS Practicals, Idukki

The 10th session of DREAMS Practicals was held on November 30, 2024, at Don Bosco Central School, Kattapana, Idukki, Kerala, with 52 Type 1 participants from Idukki district, along with their parents/caretakers.

The event began with a prayer song by the children, followed by introductions from each participant. The educational sessions focused on key aspects of diabetes management, including setting glucose level targets, carb counting, and insulin adjustments. Practical demonstrations on glucose meter usage, insulin injection techniques, and storage practices enhanced hands-on skills.

To keep the atmosphere engaging, parents participated in a Balancing Game, representing the challenge of managing work, social, and family life while caring for their child's health. Children enjoyed a fun Disc-Throwing Game, adding energy to the day. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, the children stood together in a circle holding blue balloons, symbolizing global unity in managing T1D.

The session concluded with a discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A to address any concerns. Tokens of appreciation, including practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips, were given to all participants, with game winners receiving additional utility gifts.

This session highlighted educating, empowering, and uniting families to manage diabetes effectively.