The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and FIND, have formed a partnership to advance capacity building in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for healthcare providers and people living with diabetes. This collaboration falls under the project ACCEDE (ACcess to CGMs for Equity in DiabEtes management) and aims to enhance diabetes management using CGMs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a specific focus on Kenya and South Africa. It is supported by a 3-year grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
CGMs provide an extensive range of glucose data in contrast to traditional self-monitoring blood glucose meters, necessitating a redefined approach to the interpretation and application of data. Proficient training of healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes in the interpretation of CGM data unlocks the potential for significantly enhanced diabetes management and fostering behaviour modification. Through analysis of comprehensive glucose profiles, a more nuanced understanding emerges, empowering better decision-making for enhanced patient care. Furthermore, incorporating CGMs provides more control and confidence in people using these systems, consequentially improving their quality of life.
To ensure the effective integration of CGMs into healthcare systems, it is crucial to prioritise capacity building through comprehensive training and the dissemination of relevant knowledge to both healthcare providers and individuals living with diabetes. This strategic approach is indispensable for enhancing accessibility to CGM technology, especially in regions where CGMs are not yet part of standard diabetes care, and training on their use has been conspicuously absent for healthcare professionals and people with diabetes.
The IDF and FIND ACCEDE initiative recognises that the successful integration of CGMs into healthcare systems depends on capacity building. Through comprehensive training and the dissemination of essential knowledge among healthcare providers and people with diabetes, our aim is to foster a broader understanding of CGM technology, contributing to enhanced diabetes management in LMICs.
In this partnership, IDF takes charge of the third work package within the ACCEDE project, spearheading the creation of online educational materials tailored for healthcare professionals through the IDF School of Diabetes and for individuals with diabetes via the Understanding Diabetes platform. The healthcare professional course will earn accreditation from the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), and additional applications for CME accreditation will be submitted to South African and Kenyan CME providers. The courses will be available in English and will be accessible unrestricted globally. Additionally, the courses will be universally applicable, with the possibility to expand into multiple languages along with relevant accreditations in respective countries.
The collaboration between IDF and FIND marks a significant milestone in equipping healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes with the necessary competencies to proficiently use CGMs in diabetes management. This partnership aims to democratize access to independent education, empowering healthcare providers and users to effectively utilize innovative technologies such as CGMs. The focus is on enhancing knowledge and skills, thereby advancing diabetes management and improving the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.
“The rising prevalence of diabetes will have the greatest impact on low and middle-income countries. It is critical to improve access to the best available diabetes care that local resources will allow in countries where the need is greatest. We are delighted, therefore, to partner with FIND to help healthcare professionals and people with diabetes in LMICs to understand and make effective use of CGM technology to improve diabetes management. This will help delay or avoid the serious and costly complications associated with the condition.”
Prof Akhtar Hussain, President, International Diabetes Federation
“At FIND, we are thrilled to partner with the International Diabetes Federation to advance capacity building in CGM use through the ACCEDE project. The IDF’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of training development for LMICs will ensure that content is context appropriate and integrates the experience of country stakeholders and learning approaches. Strong capacity building is fundamental and catalytic for wider access to these new glucose self-monitoring tools and we look forward to the training roll out in 2024.”
Dr Beatrice Vetter, Director, NCD Programme, FIND
