Diabetes case study competition ‘makes our work more meaningful’, winner says

A winner of the ADEA and Abbott diabetes case study competition in 2023 is encouraging others to enter the competition this year, saying it makes diabetes education and care more meaningful as it showcases strong lessons about helping people who live with the condition.

CDEs Cindy Shea and Catharine McNamara won the People’s Choice Award in the 2023 Abbott FreeStyle living with diabetes: learning from case studies competition for a case about managing hypoglycaemia unawareness in older adults with type 1 diabetes.

Ms Shea, who is also an Accredited Practising Dietitian, said the case had made her more conscious about discussing technology and providing the option to clients to help them make informed decisions.

‘There are pros and cons with using technology and it is important to find the one that will fit the client appropriately,’ she said.

‘Also, I think more about how I can help clients improve their quality of life…and how to make their lives easier living with diabetes.’

CDE and Accredited Practising Dietitian Cindy Shea. Photo: Supplied

Ms Shea said the competition ‘provides useful case studies about how various clinicians have managed different clients, which can help other clinicians learn’.

‘It includes cases from various settings, cultural backgrounds, and locations,’ she said.

While she was surprised about the award, Ms Shea said it made her and her colleagues’ work ‘more meaningful and reminds me of why I enjoy my work’.

‘I felt proud we were able to showcase what we are doing in our day-to-day work,’ she said.

‘This example is one of many where it has made a positive impact on their quality of life and diabetes management.’

Ms Shea congratulated other case study presenters, saying they were excellent, and encouraged other ADEA members to enter the 2024 competition.

‘Give it a go as we all have clients who we have helped to improve their diabetes management and quality of life,’ she said.

‘It is a great way to reflect upon diabetes management and it shows how much of an impact we have on our clients’ lives.

‘Also, if you do submit, you also have a chance to go to the ADC, which is a great learning and networking opportunity.’

Catharine McNamara, co-winner of the 2023 People’s Choice Award for the case study, is currently on leave.

The 2024 competition recently launched and will close at 11:59 pm on 19 May.

ADEA members may enter via this link.

Diabetes case study competition ‘makes our work more meaningful’, winner says

A winner of the ADEA and Abbott diabetes case study competition in 2023 is encouraging others to enter the competition this year, saying it makes diabetes education and care more meaningful as it showcases strong lessons about helping people who live with the condition.

CDEs Cindy Shea and Catharine McNamara won the People’s Choice Award in the 2023 Abbott FreeStyle living with diabetes: learning from case studies competition for a case about managing hypoglycaemia unawareness in older adults with type 1 diabetes.

Ms Shea, who is also an Accredited Practising Dietitian, said the case had made her more conscious about discussing technology and providing the option to clients to help them make informed decisions.

‘There are pros and cons with using technology and it is important to find the one that will fit the client appropriately,’ she said.

‘Also, I think more about how I can help clients improve their quality of life…and how to make their lives easier living with diabetes.’

CDE and Accredited Practising Dietitian Cindy Shea. Photo: Supplied

Ms Shea said the competition ‘provides useful case studies about how various clinicians have managed different clients, which can help other clinicians learn’.

‘It includes cases from various settings, cultural backgrounds, and locations,’ she said.

While she was surprised about the award, Ms Shea said it made her and her colleagues’ work ‘more meaningful and reminds me of why I enjoy my work’.

‘I felt proud we were able to showcase what we are doing in our day-to-day work,’ she said.

‘This example is one of many where it has made a positive impact on their quality of life and diabetes management.’

Ms Shea congratulated other case study presenters, saying they were excellent, and encouraged other ADEA members to enter the 2024 competition.

‘Give it a go as we all have clients who we have helped to improve their diabetes management and quality of life,’ she said.

‘It is a great way to reflect upon diabetes management and it shows how much of an impact we have on our clients’ lives.

‘Also, if you do submit, you also have a chance to go to the ADC, which is a great learning and networking opportunity.’

Catharine McNamara, co-winner of the 2023 People’s Choice Award for the case study, is currently on leave.

The 2024 competition recently launched and will close at 11:59 pm on 19 May.

ADEA members may enter via this link.