Novo Nordisk annual diabetes update is a nation wide major diabetes update programme for doctors. Regional update for Kerala doctors was held this year at Munnar on August 26 and 27, 2006. Dr Anil Shinde, Medical Director of Norvo Nordisk was the master of ceremony. Regional Manager Pratap Kumar welcomed the gathering. Dr Mohan Badgandi, Head of Endocrinology at Manipal hospital, Bangalore and Dr Jothydev Kesavadev were the two speakers. Audience comprised of physicians, diabetologists, endocrinologists and other doctors from various parts of Kerala (Trivandrum, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Palai, Manjeri, Kasargode, Kannur, Kozhikode, Mananthavadi, Kochi, Thiruvalla etc) and they very actively participated in the discussions.

Dr Jothydev's spoke on August 27 at NNDU, on patient education in diabetes management. He shared his experiences being the chairperson of Diabscreen Kerala, conducting diabetes awareness programs along the length and breadth of Kerala. Patient education in diabetes should be continuous, repetitive, patient centered and individualized. Reasons for early insulin treatment, use of multiple drugs in diabetes, preventing discontinuation of therapy, cutting down the cost of treating complications ; can all be successfully accomplished through a organized scientifically conducted diabetes education programme by a TEAM of experts.

Doctors actively participated in the discussion and raised their concerns over advertisement and unscientific medications for diabetes being propagated and resulting in complications of diabetes and serious damages to liver, kidney etc; These so called herbal remedies, insulin plants etc., have to be dealt with legally so as to save the common man.

Insulin Pumps are the best devices for a perfect and ideal metabolic control for insulin requiring diabetes patients. For the common man the cheapest and the most cost effective option is the Novopen-3. Newer 31G and 32G needles are absolutely painless. However, it is recommended that each time after the shot, needle should be removed from pen devices. If needle is left in place it can result in a open communication between the insulin and atmosphere which can invite bacteria, contaminate the insulin and result in its loss of potency.Dr Rajagopal Rao from Kasargode suggested that tight recapping of the needle can probably prevent this phenomenon.