Ludhiana, May 5
Diabetes is fast becoming a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and disability across the world. It is estimated that by 2020, India will be the worst affected with the maximum number of diabetic patients, and prosperous states like Punjab, contributing the most.
According to Dr Mary John, Professor of medicine and in charge of the diabetic clinic at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), here diabetes is categorised in two groups-type I and type II. Type-II diabetes is the common type, largely lifestyle dependent and usually seen in adults. In type-I diabetes, the body is unable to synthesise any insulin on its own. This type is usually seen in children and insulin injections are essential for such patients.
A study of diabetic patients has revealed that about 10 per cent of the total diabetic patients were afflicted by type-I diabetes. In type-I or juvenile diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type-I diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, taking aspirin daily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Dr Mary said it was often seen that patients getting diabetes at an early age found it unbearable to cope with the stress of having the disease and tended to underperform in various areas. Due to their tender age and little understanding about the management of the disease, they became prone to associated complications. If properly treated and guided, these children could live a healthy and productive life. It was imperative to fight this menace through education, research and integrated efforts.
“In an attempt to promote this endeavour, the CMCH has started the Juvenile Diabetes Club, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The Juvenile Diabetes Club serves as a forum for the children to express their views about their disease as well as make friends with other children with diabetes, so that they feel encouraged and are reassured that they are not alone with this disease.
The club addresses to the age group of 5 onwards. The members of the club undergo regular check-ups and learn to manage themselves in varied medical conditions associated with this disease. The club also holds frequent diabetes educational programs, picnics and other activities for these children.
The club focused on the physical and mental health of a diabetic child. It was seen that many parents were ignorant about the disease and were carried away by the myths associated with it. “Thus, we actively involve the parents in each meeting of the club. These meetings are a combination of fun and educational activities. A few adult members of the club serve as role models for the younger members,” she said.
According to Dr Mary, the children and their parents were educated to monitor the blood sugar levels, insulin injection techniques, storage of medicines and insulin and diet requirements. The Dietetics Department of the hospital also provided demonstrations for preparing various food delights to the likes of diabetic children. The registration with the club is free of cost and every member is given a free kit which includes glucometers.
Further, the club provides free life-long supply of insulin with support of the pharmaceutical companies for the needy children. Many children are also helped with their school admissions and studies. “We started with 13 members and today we have 40 children of varying age groups enrolled with us. Sole aim of the club is to make diabetic children self-reliant and to make them live the joy of childhood to its fullest,” she added.
