FITTER India launches IGNITE - An education initiative on diabetes care and safe insulin injection practices

Ludhiana: Taking forward its focus on Safe Insulin Injection Practices, Forum for Injection Technique & Therapy Expert Recommendations(FITTER) India launched its education initiative 'IGNITE'- Insulin optimization Guidelines "N" Injection Technique Expertise to drive the importance of correct insulin administration for significantly improved patient outcomes. 
 
The program IGNITE was launched in Andhra Pradesh in February, witnessed the participation of 12 Medical Colleges and Institutions from Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati& Guntur and 200 participants from Endocrinology & Medicine departments, along with their faculties. Administering Insulin the right way and its adverse effects, Insulin Therapy, Delivery and Devices, Practical Issues with Insulin Therapy and Administration were some of the key topics discussed at the IGNITE launch event.
 
Dr. Jubbin J. Jacob - Professor and Head, Endocrine & Diabetes Unit, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana said, "For people with diabetes using insulin, correct injection practices can help achieving better glycemic control. Improper injection technique is responsible for a significant number of them not achieving the desired benefits. IGNITE will help equip physicians to convey vital information to patients on safe insulin administration practices to enable better glycemic control. The number of people with diabetes in the country is growing at an alarming rate and initiatives like IGNITE will immensely benefit in their treatment regime and overall well-being."

Since its inception in 2012, FITTER India has trained more than 300,000 nurses/ diabetes educators & over 400,000 patients on correct insulin injection technique. The IGNITE Program will cover important aspects such as Insulin Storage and Disposal, Diabetes Complications and Co-morbidities, Single Use of Insulin Injecting Devices, Needle Stick Injury (NSI) and the Role of HCP and Diabetic Educators in bringing awareness on critical aspects amongpeople with diabetes. 
 
Stressing on the need of making patients aware of the harm of reusing syringes, Dr. Emmy Grewal, Principal Consultant -Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Healthcare, Mohali said, "Many patients unknowingly only use certain injection sites to inject insulin or even reuse syringes repeatedly without realizing the complications that may arise due to this incorrect insulin administration. Hence awareness around correct insulin injection practice plays a critical role in diabetes management, and the physician must educate the patient on such safe practices to reduce side-effects."

With its initiative IGNITE, FITTER India aims to train over 500 physicians in medical colleges and hospitals through engaging content and a series of virtual webinars to take forward its key message on Diabetes Care and Insulin Injection Administration. FITTER is a panel of experts who, along with BD-India, support people with diabetes to achieve the best possible health outcomes with correct injection technique.
 
Experts from leading healthcare organizations are committed to advocate for the right practices and grooming the budding physicians on optimum management of diabetes. Endocrinologists, Physical Assistants, Certified Diabetes Educators, Nursing staff, Pharmacists, Dieticians and even Mental Health Professionals will be enrolled in the program to benefit from this educational initiative.