Network Promotes PEN-Plus at ISPAD Conference

From left: Type 1 diabetes and Global Health Equity Research Fellows Celina Trujillo and Apoorva Gomber, ISPAD President Carine de Beaufort, and NCDI Poverty Network Co-Chair Gene Bukhman.

A team that included NCDI Poverty Network SCo-Chair Gene Bukhman as well as Type 1 Diabetes and Global Health Equity Research Fellows Celina Trujillo and Apoorva Gomber traveled to Abu Dhabi to represent the Network and promote PEN-Plus at the 48th annual International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Conference, 13-16 October.

PEN-Plus decentralizes lifesaving diabetes treatment including initiation and titration of insulin, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, and counseling and education on home glucometer use and care.

Dr. Bukhman presented on PEN-Plus as a strategy to bring integrated care for type 1 diabetes and other severe NCDs that disproportionately impact children and young adults living in extreme poverty to first-level hospitals in rural areas of low- and lower-middle income countries during the “Joint Symposium ISPAE - ISPAD: Diabetes Care systems set-up” session. He highlighted the value of the PEN-Plus Partnership and discussed the phases and work streams in implementing endocrine services as part of the PEN-Plus strategy to decentralize care for type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, rheumatic and congenital heart disease, and other severe, chronic NCDs.

The ISPAD Conference is held annually to promote clinical and basic science, research, education, and advocacy to benefit children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes.

The Network strives to work with the global diabetes community in efforts to understand, treat, and cure this disease. If you are interested in collaboration, please apply for Network membership.