Children with Type 1 Diabetes Achieve Positive Outcomes

KOCHI:
The three-year ongoing collaboration between the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) and Sanofi has begun to demonstrate a significant impact on the lives of children living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D). As part of this program, more than 1300 young T1D patients have
been enrolled nationwide, including 76 from Kerala. The program is implemented by the People-to-People Health Foundation (PPHF).

These 1300 children are receiving better education on T1D management. Over the last 9-months (September 2022 to June 2023), the program’s intervention has reduced the number of children experiencing hypoglycaemia (1 to 4 times per week) by 46% (vs. 70%) and children experiencing hyperglycaemia (1 to 4 times per week) by 25% (vs. 52%).

As per the global Type 1 diabetes Index, in India T1D is growing at 6.7% each year compared with 4.4% for Type 2 diabetes. Referred to as juvenile or insulin-
dependent diabetes, people living with Type 1 diabetes and their caregivers in India continue to face challenges in diabetes management. This is because very few dedicated doctors and educators are trained to treat and manage T1D. Other challenges are poor public awareness about T1D, the socio-economic burden, and access to proper healthcare facilities, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.

Other complexities include delayed diagnosis, poor cold-chain management for insulin, and insufficient education for patients and caregivers. Just a provision of access to insulin, test strips and good self-management, could help restore 21.2 years of healthy life per person.