Experts Advocate Holistic Approach for Type 1 Diabetes Care in India

Healthcare professionals assert that India must adopt a holistic and patient-centric approach to managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), emphasising the need for timely diagnosis, access to insulin, glucose-monitoring technology, patient education, mental health support, and ongoing guidance for families. This call for a comprehensive framework comes from recent discussions hosted by endocrinologists, researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient advocates from India, the United States, and Australia, focusing on the challenges encountered by children and families living with T1D, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease characterised by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin. Those affected must rely on insulin therapy and consistent glucose monitoring to manage their condition.

Padmaja Kumari Parmar, Founder of The Friends of Mewar and Global Ambassador for Breakthrough T1D, emphasised the importance of establishing a supportive ecosystem for patients after diagnosis. “Access to insulin is crucial, but managing Type 1 Diabetes effectively also necessitates education, ongoing glucose monitoring, emotional support, and continuous medical guidance. Families need to be empowered with knowledge and confidence to manage this condition safely on a daily basis,” Parmar stated.

Having been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of five, Parmar brings over forty years of personal experience to her advocacy work, focusing on early diagnosis, patient empowerment, and equitable healthcare access. Recent discussions surrounding T1D care have underscored multiple priority areas, including increased awareness of early symptoms, more affordable access to insulin and monitoring technologies, improved education for patients, mental health resources, and enhanced coordination among healthcare organisations, patient groups, and community networks.

Healthcare advocates have also pointed out the psychological and social ramifications of living with T1D. Children and adolescents frequently experience anxiety, fear of medical emergencies, and challenges related to insulin management and glucose monitoring during school or physical activities. “Behind every diagnosis is an entire family learning to cope with a chronic condition. Consequently, clinical treatment must be supplemented with counselling, peer support, and reliable information,” Parmar remarked.

Peer-support programmes are emerging as a crucial element in the management of T1D. Initiatives that involve individuals with lived experience can significantly assist newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers in understanding various aspects of diabetes management, including insulin administration, glucose monitoring, nutritional guidance, physical activity, and identifying the symptoms requiring medical attention.

Recent pilot programmes in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have highlighted the role of community involvement in empowering families to manage T1D with increased confidence. The discussions have also stressed the necessity for heightened awareness among parents, educators, and primary healthcare professionals about the early symptoms of T1D, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and sudden appetite changes, which may warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Parmar reiterated that The Friends of Mewar will persist in collaborating with healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and national and international organisations to bolster awareness and community support for individuals living with T1D. “Our objective is to ensure that no child feels isolated or restricted due to Type 1 Diabetes. With prompt treatment, proper education, and a robust support system, children living with T1D can thrive, study, play, and chase their dreams with confidence,” she concluded.

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