Experts Push for Free Insulin Devices for Indian Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetologists and international faculty members at a global diabetes convention in Kovalam have called for policy changes to provide free insulin pumps and glucose monitoring sensors for Indian children with type 1 diabetes. They stressed the importance of integrating diabetes education into the school curriculum to reduce complications and ensure equitable healthcare.

Diabetologists from India and international faculty members from eight countries have called for policy initiatives to make insulin pumps and glucose monitoring sensors available for free to Indian children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Speaking at a global diabetes convention in Kovalam on Saturday, the experts urged policymakers to remove financial barriers and provide equitable healthcare solutions to mitigate the long-term complications associated with diabetes.

A release highlighted that more than 8.6 lakh Indians currently live with type 1 diabetes. The convention emphasized the need to integrate comprehensive health education into school curriculums from a young age, starting from Class five.

Dr. Jyotidev Keshavdev, the organizing secretary of the convention, stated that diabetes education should be a continuous process, not a one-off attempt.

The three-day event, inaugurated by Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathy Bayi, saw the participation of over 1,500 doctors, researchers, educators, and paramedical experts. The convention concludes on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)