This information was shared at the program "Proactive Comprehensive Blood Sugar Management with Technology and Nutrition Solutions" held on World Diabetes Day, 14/11. The event was collaboratively organized by the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Bach Mai Hospital, the Vietnam Association of Dietetics and Nutrition, and Abbott.

At the event, experts from the Clinical Nutrition Center at Bach Mai Hospital emphasized that people with diabetes must adhere to several principles: maintaining a healthy weight, dividing meals appropriately, establishing stable eating times, consuming sufficient carbohydrates, increasing fiber intake, and eating a variety of foods.

People attending the event learn how to apply technology and nutrition to manage blood sugar. Photo: Huu Quyet

During the program, nutrition experts guided participants on how to select foods, read product labels, and identify foods with appropriate sugar levels.

To support blood sugar control, people with diabetes can use specialized oral nutritional products formulated to meet their specific needs. According to a study by Chee WSS and colleagues involving 230 patients, published in 2017, supplementing with specialized Glucerna nutrition helped reduce HbA1c by up to 1,1% after six months when combined with a modified diet and motivational counseling. Another study by Irene M Stratton and colleagues, using data from 4.585 patients and published in 2000, showed that each 1% reduction in HbA1c helps lower the risk of complications.

A scientific, balanced diet helps stabilize blood sugar. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Doctor Nguyen Quang Bay, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that effective blood sugar management is a key factor for patients to maintain their health and productivity. When equipped with scientific knowledge, adhering to appropriate nutrition and exercise regimens, and taking medication as prescribed, patients have a better chance of achieving their blood sugar goals. Additionally, the application of advanced technology allows for more comprehensive, effective, and safe blood sugar monitoring, helping patients avoid complications and enhance their quality of life.

Advanced medical technology offers convenient and less painful solutions for blood sugar monitoring, providing people with diabetes with clear and detailed insights into their blood sugar fluctuations. The workshop also provided updates on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. This device offers a complete picture of daily blood sugar levels, including high or low readings, glucose variability, and especially trends in blood sugar changes, enabling patients to proactively adjust their lifestyle and diet.

Thanh Huyen, who has lived with diabetes for five years, shared at the program: "Initially, I used a finger-prick device, having to measure 20-30 times a day, which was very painful. Later, I learned about CGM—a continuous glucose monitoring device—and switched to it because it's much less painful and more convenient."

Thanh Huyen shares at the event. Photo: Hoang Anh

CGM also helps doctors understand a patient's condition to make more appropriate treatment decisions, improving treatment effectiveness. This technology is recommended for people with diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Ministry of Health, and the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes, especially for those on insulin therapy, those who frequently experience hypoglycemia, or those with poorly controlled blood sugar.

Attendees received guidance on how to monitor blood sugar using the FreeStyle Libre CGM device and learned from experiences in using this technology to proactively adjust their lifestyle. Over 7 million people worldwide use this technology in more than 60 countries, including Vietnam.

CGM technology enables continuous blood sugar monitoring without finger pricks. Photo: Nhu Quynh

The program "Proactive Comprehensive Blood Sugar Management with Technology and Nutrition Solutions" contributes to addressing health challenges in Vietnam and brings advanced scientific solutions to help the community move towards a healthier life.

Focusing on improving nutrition, preventing, and treating chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions is one of Abbott's priorities during its 30 years of operation in Vietnam. Douglas Kuo, Vice President and General Manager of Abbott Vietnam, stated: "We are committed to contributing to better healthcare through technology and initiatives to build a healthy, sustainable future for the people of Vietnam."

Kim Anh