The FDA has warned that certain Medtronic MiniMed Insulin Pump models are not protected from hackers, who could alter the insulin settings. Medtronic is replacing the inadequately protected pumps. For recommendations on protecting yourself while awaiting a replacement, a list of models and software versions involved, and more information, see https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/certain-medtronic-minimed-insulin-pumps-have-potential-cybersecurity-risks-fda-safety-communication.
Category: Diabetes
Mac Toolkits; Transplant, Transitions, Medications
The National Forum of ESRD Networks has introduced or updated several Medical Advisory Council (MAC) Toolkits. Two new Kits include the Transplant Toolkit and the Medication Conversion Toolkit. The Transitions of Care Toolkit was updated in mid-April. Find them all at http://esrdnetworks.org/resources/toolkits/mac-toolkits-1, along with the existing Home Dialysis Toolkit, Medical Directors Toolkit, QAPI Toolkit, Medication Reconciliation Toolkit, Catheter Reduction Toolkit, Vaccination Toolkit, and Assurance of Diabetes Care Coordination Toolkit.
NKF Spring Clinical Meetings, Boston
The National Kidney Foundation 2019 Spring Clinical Meetings (SCM19) present a unique opportunity for renal health care providers to learn new developments related to all aspects of nephrology. An important objective of SCM19 is to present the latest insights into CKD care through a combination of interesting courses, practical workshops, thought-provoking symposia and insightful debates. SCM19 will be held May 8-12, 2019 in Boston MA. In-person registration is allowed, but many registration fees are discounted if you register online before May 6.
Extra-cost pre-conference course topics on May 8 include dialysis success, vascular access, ultrasound, supportive care, and updates on new developments in transplant, critical care, and glomerular disease. Extra-cost lunch workshop topics will include vascular access, electrolytes, hyponatremia, glomerular disease, reproductive health, hypertension, communication, and board review. For those unable to attend in person, live-streamed conference sessions will be available on burnout, obesity, safety, fluid management, opioids, social media, diabetes, community, lifestyle interventions, palliative care, and KDOQI update.
For more information and registration, see https://www.kidney.org/spring-clinical.
Assisting the Dialysis Patient with Diabetes Self-Management
According to the United States Renal Disease (ESRD) Incident and Prevalent Quarterly Update, 37% of patients with ESRD have diabetes. The common measurement to assess prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is the A1C test or the hemoglobin A1C test. The higher the glucose level in the bloodstream, the more glucose will attach to the hemoglobin. The A1C test reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. (1)
Diet plays a very big role in controlling both diabetes and kidney disease; however, it can be a challenge for individuals who have these chronic conditions to follow the recommended diet.
The goal of diabetes self-management is to provide patients with knowledge and strategies to better manage their diets, with a clinical goal of maintaining an A1C of 5.7% or lower. The Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center is a resource that can provide your patients with suggestions for ways to successfully manage their diets to control their blood sugar and renal disease. This site provides diets and grocery lists to assist patients in controlling intake of restricted foods including those foods high in carbohydrate and sugar content-an essential part of diabetes self-management. (2)
November is American Diabetes Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes. At least 1 out of 3 people will develop diabetes in their lifetime. The American Diabetes Association has selected the month of November to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications. The following resources can be helpful for dialysis staff and patients to discuss the importance of diabetes prevention and control:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/ndep/partner-community-organization-information/national-diabetes-month
- American Diabetes Association: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/index.html