Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) was established in 1999 as first specialty-oriented centre of Pakistan. BIDE is a constituent institute of Baqai Medical University, first community-oriented Medical University of Pakistan. In 2009 BIDE was honored as one of six centres of the world, designated as International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Centre of Education. BIDE is accredited with College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) for the training of FCPS Medicine and post Fellowship FCPS Endocrinology.
Right from its inception BIDE has introduced the concept of collaborative services where assessment and advice were provided by the consultant Diabetologist, the nutritionist and diabetes educator in the same visit. This protocol coupled with prompt laboratory services has made the management plan of people with diabetes increasingly convenient and compliant. The concept of a “Diabetes care Team” has become a benchmark for other diabetes care facilities across the country.
BIDE model of diabetes management:
It comprises of:
1: Capacity building of diabetes care team (Diabetologist, Diabetes educator, Clinical dietitian, Diabetic foot care assistant)
2: Establishment of National Level Diabetes Care Programs
3: Linkages between multiple stakeholders, primarily through advocacy
4: Addressing the issue of affordability and accessibility
5: Increasing public awareness, including primary prevention strategies
6: Encouraging diabetes-related researches.
BIDE has earned encomium for its academic courses and building the capacity of HCPs through structured training. Since 1999 BIDE offers one-year full time Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetology for family physicians. Since 2016 this Diploma course is made more comprehensive with addition of diabetes research in the curriculum. In 2008, One-year University-based diploma in Diabetes Education (DDE) was started for Diabetes Educators. Since 2006, BIDE offers a six-week certificate course of hands-on structured training of basic podiatry for Diabetic foot care assistants (DFCAs). Another skill development program Foot Wear Technician Course (FWTC) is for footwear technicians. As a research center BIDE has published more than 270 research publications in national and international journals.
A. National Diabetes Care Programs; National Association of Diabetes Educators Pakistan (NADEP); National Diabetic Foot Program; Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Prevention & Control Program; The Ramadan and Hajj Study Group; Advisory Board for the Care of Diabetes (ABCD); BRIGHT and PROMPT Guidelines etc.
Standardization of diabetes care at primary care level across the country:
BIDE offers the program to build capacity of Diabetes specialists at primary care level in all recognized medical institutions of Pakistan.
National Diabetes Network (NDN):
About a decade ago BIDE has coined the concept of developing a network of 3000 diabetes clinics providing standardized diabetes care across the country on the basis of replicating BIDE model. This network will comprise of 3000 clinics at primary care level, 300 clinics at secondary care level and 30 clinics at tertiary care hospitals.
The people with diabetes visiting healthcare facilities of NDN will be educated for basic dietary management and appropriate physical activity
B. Affordability and accessibility: Insulin My Life (IML) project. Around 2500 children with type1 Diabetes are provided free insulin, glucometer with strips and consultation.
C. Public awareness, including primary prevention strategies: Since 1999 BIDE arranges Diabetes awareness walk annually, Diabetes awareness programs, celebrations of WDD and “Blue lightening” at historical buildings and public places.
“Risk assessment of Pakistani Individuals for diabetes” (RAPID) score is developed and used it in the Primary Prevention Program across the country.
D. Diabetes-related researches: published 270 plus studies, conducted national prevalence surveys, defined cutoffs for HbA1c, analyzed amputation rate.
E. The top of the list of National programs is the establishment of Diabetes Registry of Pakistan (DROP).