Ludhiana, April 25
Christian Medical College and Hospital, in its endeavour to uproot ignorance about diabetes, has taken many initiatives in the past. Now adding to its efforts, the hospital has started a Juvenile Diabetes Club which will serve as a forum for the diabetic children to express their views about their disease as well as make friends with other children suffering from the same disease so that they feel encouraged that they are not alone with this disease. The department of Medicine and Department Paediatrics will jointly manage the club activities. The Civil Surgeon, Dr S.N. Tiwari, inaugurated the club here yesterday.
In her welcome address Dr Mary John, Professor, Department of Medicine, informed the audience: “Type-I diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. If mismanaged it can lead to blindness, heart diseases, kidney diseases, impotency or even limb amputation. Treatment for Type-I diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, taking medicines daily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol”
According to a study, about 10 per cent of the total diabetic patients fall under Type-I diabetes. Thus the club will have a support group of doctors, nursing professionals, dietician and counsellors to educate and guide children and their families in management of diabetes.
Giving further details, Dr Jugesh Chattwal, Head Department of Paediatrics CMCH said, “It is often seen that patients getting diabetes at an early age find it unbearable to cope with the stress of having the disease and tend to under perform in various areas. It is very important to educate and teach children to adapt to living with diabetes. Thus, the club will also organise fun activities like going out on picnics, movies, having various cultural competitions etc to help them live a normal life. Along with the support group the older members of the club will encourage younger age group by sharing their own experiences with them.”
Addressing the club members and their families Dr Tiwari said, “According to the latest WHO studies, India will be the world leader in diabetes by year 2025. It is thus important that such clubs should be formed to control the medical problems where no national programme of management is set.”
The students of the College of Nursing presented a play, highlighting different aspects of diabetes. A display of various combination diets for diabetic children was organised by the Dietary Department of CMCH. A painting competition was also held to boost the confidence of the diabetic children. A free kit consisting of various blood sugar monitoring devices and education material was distributed to all club members.
The club will address to an age group of 6 years onwards. The members of the club will undergo regular check-ups and to learn to manage themselves in varied medical conditions associated with this disease. Also, the families and doctors will provide them constant support, guidance and encouragement. The club will also hold frequent diabetes educational programs, picnics and other activities for these children.
