Experts Discuss Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes in Udaipur
In Udaipur, Rajasthan, a high-level meeting was held to discuss the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 1 diabetes (T1D). The event was organized by Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, in collaboration with Friends of Mewar and UNICEF.
Key Participants
The meeting was hosted by Padmaja Kumari Parmar, the Global Ambassador for Breakthrough T1D. It was attended by representatives from Breakthrough T1D, UNICEF, Friends of Mewar, charitable institutions, clinicians, civil society organizations, and the ImPatient Network, a coalition of community members and individuals living with T1D.
Global Health Challenge
NCDs are a major global health issue, causing 17 million premature deaths annually, with 86% of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. In India, NCDs account for 66% of all deaths, 22% of which are premature.
Statements from Key Figures
Padmaja Kumari Parmar emphasized the need for access to healthcare and timely treatment for managing NCDs like T1D. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to improve health outcomes for children and youth at risk of NCDs.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, stressed the need to integrate NCD care into primary healthcare. She pointed out that children and youth from vulnerable communities are at the greatest risk and often excluded from global NCD targets.
Dr. Stephanie Pearson, Senior Director of Global Access at Breakthrough T1D, introduced the T1D Index, a data simulation tool that measures the impact of T1D globally. She noted that the current situation in India presents both challenges and opportunities.
Mridula Kapil Bhargava, Founder of Diabetes Fighters Trust and Impatient Network Fellow, called for affordable access to insulin and blood glucose monitoring, especially for young girls and women. She urged the government, UNICEF, and other stakeholders to include lived experiences in policymaking.
Conclusion
The meeting marked a significant step towards improved NCD detection, affordable quality care, and building a social support system that leaves no one behind.
Doubts Revealed
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) -: Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot make insulin, a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells to give you energy. People with T1D need to take insulin every day.
Udaipur -: Udaipur is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful lakes and palaces.
Breakthrough T1D -: Breakthrough T1D is an organization that works to improve the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes through research and support.
Friends of Mewar -: Friends of Mewar is a group that supports the heritage and culture of the Mewar region in Rajasthan, and also engages in social causes.
UNICEF -: UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It helps children around the world get food, education, and healthcare.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) -: NCDs are diseases that cannot be spread from person to person. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Padmaja Kumari Parmar -: Padmaja Kumari Parmar is a member of the royal family of Mewar and is involved in various social and cultural activities.
Cynthia McCaffrey -: Cynthia McCaffrey is a representative of UNICEF who works to improve the lives of children around the world.