27th September, 2023: The Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) and Sanofi have been engaged in a three-year-old programme. This programme has begun showing significant impact on the lives of children who have been affected by Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D). As part of the People-to-People Health Foundation (PPHF) more than 1300 young patients young TID affected patients nationwide have been enrolled out of which 69 patients are from Maharashtra.
This program is imparting better education on TID management to the 1300 children. The program’s intervention over the last 9 months spanning September 2022 to June 2023 has reduced the number of children experiencing hypoglycaemia (1 to 4 times a week) by 46% as compared to the earlier 70%. For the children experiencing hyperglycaemia (1 to 4 times per week) it has reduced from the earlier 52% to 25%.
The growth in India of TID as per the global Type 1 diabetes index is 6.7% each year as compared to the 4.4% for the Type 2 diabetes.
The caregivers in India and those living with Type 1 diabetes or what is also referred to as juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes, continue to face challenges in the management of diabetes. This is largely on account of the fact that very few doctors and caregivers are trained in the management of TID. The other challenges include socio economic burden, poor public awareness and poor access to proper healthcare facilities especially in semi urban and rural areas. A host of other complexities like inadequate education for patients and care givers, poor cold chain management for insulin, delayed diagnosis also arises. The life span of a patient could be increased just by providing access to test strips and insulin coupled with good self-management.
Dr. Brij Makkar, President Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) commented on the urgent need to look at children living with this condition which was estimated at 8.6 lakh TID patients in India.
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary – Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) mentioned that RSSDI and Sanofi were collaborating with their experience and expertise to create a universal standard of care that would provide access to treatment in India which was as per the global recommendations.
Ms. Aparna Thomas, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Sanofi India Limited mentioned how motivated they were to witness the positive impact of their social program in improving the lives of many children who were living with Type 1 diabetes in India.
Dr. Archana Sarda, (M.D.) Diabetologist mentioned that Type 1 diabetes is also on an upward trend like type 2 diabetes and comprehensive training and education on the treatment, dosage, and titration was very crucial.
She was of the opinion that the necessary tools and knowledge should be provided to the healthcare professionals and educators in Maharashtra.
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