Children with Type 1 Diabetes in Kozhikode to get free glucose monitoring systems
A life-long disease, Type 1 diabetes is a result of the body's immune system attacking and destroying cells producing insulin, a hormone necessary for regulating blood sugar, in the pancreas. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. The scheme to provide CGM systems to such patients is being implemented by the district administration, DIET, and the Type 1 Diabetics Welfare Society.
U.K. Abdunnasar, principal, DIET, told The Hindu on Sunday (July 20) that the data collection of around 200 children had been completed. The process is expected to get over by July 30, he added.
According to official sources, the plan is to collect at least 1,000 CGM systems with the help of hospitals, organisations such as Lions' Club and Rotary Club, merchants and industrialists and other non-governmental organisations. The CGM systems will be distributed as per existing guidelines.
The sources say that the scheme aims to train children suffering from Type 1 diabetes in a healthy lifestyle, create awareness among people about the problems faced by them, and encourage studies and research on the disease. Studies have revealed that the life expectancy of such patients in the country is less compared to their counterparts in developed countries because of a lack of proper care. While in developed countries their average life expectancy is above 70 years, in India it is below 35 years, they say.
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