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R E N E W E D
C O M M I T M E N T
Proper use of Insulin Pump Can be Lifesaving for Children iabetes is a disease that does not discriminate by age. Here at Eastern Health we treat approximately 300 children living with type 1 diabetes. 75 per cent of those children are part of our Insulin Pump Program and manage their diabetes through the use of an insulin pump. Using an insulin pump is not risk free. This year, the Insulin Pump Program made significant strides in promoting the proper usage of insulin pumps through the development of a Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) Toolkit. “One potential problem that can occur with improper management of an insulin pump is the increased risk of DKA,” explains Diabetes Coordinator Donna Hagerty. “Some families, despite teaching and education, are not able to prevent this life-threatening situation as it may present abruptly and unexpectedly. Many times poor management of this situation is due to the fact that families are not adequately prepared, which is where the DKA toolkit comes in. We believe that with better educational tools most of these cases can be prevented.” Eastern Health is the first organization in Canada to develop and use kits of this kind. Donna was recently acknowledged by the Canadian Diabetes Association for outstanding effort in diabetes care, receiving the Roche Diagnostics Public Service and Education Award.
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LR: DONNA HAGERTY, RACHEL BRACE, KIMBERELY BRACE
Fall 2011
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