The integrated type 1 diabetes management system in China: new practice and horizons

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes results from a continuous destruction of pancreatic β-cell function and requires life-long administration of exogenous insulin. Maintaining stable glycemic control while minimizing hypoglycemic events with flexible daily routine always remains a challenge. Despite a multidisciplinary support, the person with diabetes and their care givers share the responsibility for glucose monitoring and insulin administration. An effective diabetes self-management education is core to a rounded type 1 diabetes management system. However, to date, there is still lack of a standardized and sustainable type 1 diabetes management system, compatible with local medical environment, which could be adapted nationwide in China. In the hope to change this situation, in the year of 2015, The Second Xiangya Hospital established the first integrated management system for type 1 diabetes in China, starting with an outpatient clinic jointly by diabetologists, diabetes educators, dieticians, physical therapists, ophthalmologists and psychologists. This pioneer type 1 diabetes management system has set up a brand-new and feasible care model, and opened up new horizons for type 1 diabetes management in China. \n \n \nKey words: \nDiabetes mellitus, type 1;\xa0Disease management;\xa0Blood glucose;\xa0Insulin