Pune (Voice News Service): On Saturday, KEM Hospital, Pune, organized a session on Type 1 Diabetes for school managements. This initiative was in the context of the circulars from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Directorate of Education, Government of Maharashtra, which issued directions to schools regarding care of children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of the program was to sensitize schools about the need to help and support children with T1D. Representatives from about 50 schools including Principals and teachers participated in the program. Officials from the State Governments Education and Health Departments were also present.
Prof. Dr. Chittaranjan S Yajnik, Director & Consultant – Diabetes Unit at KEM Hospital and Research Centre in Pune said , Type 1 diabetes is becoming more common in Indian Children, it is a 24×7 condition and requires medical, family and social support. Children spend a large part of their day in their schools and the school ecosystem needs to evolve to support them in every way. This was the first session in this direction and KEM Hospital Diabetes Unit will continue with such sessions along with all stakeholders including education and health departments and school authorities to help in this process.
There is a need to bridge the knowledge gap (or lack of valid information) within the education community about T1D. Thus, an important objective of the session was to improve quality of life for children with T1D by addressing the misconceptions surrounding T1D, to alleviate the fear and anxiety of the school management/ teachers regarding the care of T1d students, and reducing the stigma and discrimination such children experience in schools. This would help to enhance their academic and extracurricular performance.
The program included presentation by team of doctors on difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes , role of schools in the management of students with type 1 diabetes, symptoms to watch out for in students who have not been diagnosed, need for medical-education partnership etc
Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik also gave information on Club 1 Diabetes which is a patient engagement initiative in the form of support group for physical , emotional and psychological well being . It has many activities including clinical care , education , workshops , etc along with Madhuraksha app.
