A free service program to underprivileged type 1 diabetic children below the age of 18 years has been organized on 25th December, 9 am at Belgaum Diabetes Centre, Maruti Galli.
The children registered will be given free insulin for the next 3 years and also free glucometer machines and free strips to monitor their sugars at home. Moreover they will be monitored by Dr.Neeta Deshpande on a regular basis free of cost. Dr Prasanna Kumar, senior Endocrinologist and Prof, Ramiah Medical College, Bangalore will be here to train the children.
Diabetes in children is different
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents but still many children die because of undiagnosed diabetes. This is because usually diabetes is considered as a disorder of adults only and parents and family members and sometimes even medical professionals do not recognize its beginning symptoms (excessive thirst, excessive hunger, frequent and excessive urination and unexplained weight loss).
When diabetes occurs during childhood, it is mostly type 1, in very few cases it can be type 2 diabetes also. The only effective treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin, given by injection. If the diagnosis or treatment is delayed because of any reason, the severe lack of insulin can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and death within days.
On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that if properly treated, children with type 1 diabetes can grow like normal individuals and are productive, fertile and long-lived adults. It is therefore essential that childhood diabetes is rapidly recognized as early as possible and treated adequately.
Definitely a significant event. Belgaum should have a permanent ground for hosting such type of events. In addition to this it should have a permanent exhibition ground like Bangalore and Pragatti maidan og New Delhi.