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Type-1 Diabetes Common Among Children in India

by Chrisy Ngilneii on Apr 4 2018 3:23 PM

More children are being diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in India. About 97,000 Indian children are affected with diabetes and about 32 per 100,000 children are affected in Delhi alone. Type-1 diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes.

Type-1 Diabetes Common Among Children in India
The incidence of type-1 diabetes is rising among children in India. According to latest statistical data, about 97,000 children are diagnosed with type-1 diabetes in India.
In Delhi alone, 32 out of one lakh (100,000) children are diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.

Type 1diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes as it affects children primarily. It occurred when the immunity of a person turns against the body killing insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Children with this condition need to take insulin injections regularly.

Dr K K Aggarwal, a Padma Shri Awardee, commented “There are many myths surrounding Type 1 diabetes which can hinder effective treatment. For instance, there is lack of awareness about better ways to track and manage glucose levels, such as that by a Glucometer or insulin pumps. It is imperative to educate the society that children with this condition can lead very normal lives and be as active as others. Type 1 diabetes is not caused due to high intake of sugar. Although diet, activity level, and weight have not been found as a causative factor for the onset of Type 1 diabetes, it is always better to exercise and eat a balanced diet as precaution. Parents have a large role to play in leading by example.

Type-1 diabetes cannot be cured. Insulin helps to control blood sugar levels and is key to lifelong management of this condition, along with regular blood sugar monitoring. It is important for parents to teach and help their children take their insulin and educate teachers and caregivers about it too, especially when children are at school or away from home. With proper treatment and care, they can have a normal childhood and a full adult life.”

Symptoms of Type-1 diabetes include:
  • excessive thirst
  • frequent urination
  • hunger and tiredness
  • weight loss
  • slow-healing sores
  • dry and itchy skin
  • tingling sensation in the feet
  • and blurry eyesight.
Tips for Type 1 diabetes patients prepared by the Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI)
  • Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.
  • Take your medications as recommended.
  • Learn all you can about type-1diabetes.
  • Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine.
  • Keep a glucagon kit nearby in case of a low blood sugar emergency and make sure your friends and loved ones know how to use it.
  • Schedule a yearly physical exam and regular eye exams. Your regular diabetes checkups aren't meant to replace yearly physicals or routine eye exams.
  • Keep your vaccinations up to date. High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get a flu shot every year.


Source-Medindia


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