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NEWS UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2018
+ Type 1 & Retinopathy | Clinical Trial
We are testing the effect of an investigational drug and its ability to reduce retinopathy in people with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the eye's retina, which may cause vision impairment. The product used in this study is already
approved for use in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
To carry out this study, we are searching for volunteers to participate. You may be eligible if you are: - aged 18 years or older
- have Type 1 Diabetes
- have existing nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
All our clinical trials are run under the provision of a strict protocol. Those who participate in the trial will be medically supervised and there will be no costs involved. You will be reimbursed for travel costs incurred throughout the study.
If you would like to
know more about this trial, please contact the Study Coordinator Annette on (02) 4963 2323 (take option 1) or email [email protected] with your name and
contact details.
+ Insulin Pumps &
Flying| Education
With the school holidays upon us, many of us may be taking to the skies to explore new destinations. If you are travelling overseas with an insulin pump, you'll need to take a few extra precautions to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Below are a few basic travel tips to help you plan your trip.
- Before travelling, obtain a
medical letter from your GP or endocrinologist that includes your health issues and current medications. This can be used to relieve any issues with airport security, and if you need to see a doctor whilst overseas.
- Take out travel insurance, and ensure it covers all medical expenses including hospital stays. Carry these details with you at all times. You also may wish to consider insuring your pump.
- Make two sets of supply kits - one for your carry-on luggage, and the other
for your travel companion (in case yours is lost/misplaced). These kits should include:
- BG meter
- Strips, lance and lancets
- Short and long acting insulins
- Pump supplies: cartridges, infusion sets, batteries
- If possible, a spare insulin pump
- Written pump settings
- Syringes or insulin pens
- Ketone testing equipment
- Hypo kit
- 24/7 helpline number of pump company in country you are visiting
- Change
your pump cartridge about 12 hours before your flight, as it may be difficult to do so on a moving plane if the need arises.
- Keep your insulin pump on when going through security, as the x-ray conveyor belts may interfere with your machine. Keep your doctor's note on hand in case you encounter any issues with the security staff.
- When flying, changing pressures may affect your pump's insulin delivery. To avoid this, disconnect your pump before take off. When at cruising altitude,
take reservoir out of your pump and check for any air bubbles, then reconnect pump and use normally. When your plane has landed, disconnect your pump and prime line with at least 2 units of insulin, then reconnect your pump and use like normal.
While travelling with an insulin pump does mean taking extra measures to ensure you are safe, it does not mean you need be impaired by it. Once in your destination, change your pump's clock to your new local time and use as normal. And most
importantly - enjoy your trip and this well earned break!
If you have any further questions about travelling, please speak with your GP or your diabetes care team.
+ #ItsInTheBag | Charity
Event
It's crazy to think that this time in 3 months we'll be on the other side of Christmas. Most people groan at the thought of thinking about Christmas so early, but at Hunter Diabetes Centre, we are asking you to do just that for a very worthy reason.
For many, Christmas is a time of joy and happiness, but unfortunately for those who are homeless, it can be a very somber affair. While we may wish for new jewellery or the latest tech gadgets, women living in poverty often go without the basic essentials like personal hygiene products and sanitary items. So to do our part in helping those
less fortunate, Hunter Diabetes Centre are participating in the 'It's In The Bag' campaign, run by Share the Dignity foundation.
To donate, simply fill a handbag you no longer use with items a woman may need, from essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant, soap, hairbrush, pads, tampons, to luxuries like nail
polish, jewellery, face masks, and other accessories. You can also include a signed Christmas card to let these women know someone is thinking of them this Christmas. You can then bring the bag into our centre at your next appointment or when you are in the area, and we will take all donations to the drop off point at our local Bunnings at the end of November.
At Hunter Diabetes Centre, we believe It's In The Bag is a very worthy cause, and would love for you to share this with your friends and family so they can donate to. Help us bring a little Christmas cheer to those who need it most this Christmas.
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