Currently, over 24,000 children in the country are affected by type 1 diabetes. In response, at least 27 specialized clinics have been established nationwide, including in Karachi, to provide free treatment for children suffering from the condition.
Of the 27 clinics, seven are located in Sindh, and nine are in Punjab. These clinics are part of the global "Changing Diabetes in Children" program, which operates in 32 countries. The program aims to set up 40 such clinics nationwide by 2025.
Free Treatment and Support for Affected Children
Currently, over 24,000 children in the country are affected by type 1 diabetes. So far, 3,300 children have been registered under the program and are receiving free insulin, glucometers, pen devices, needles, and testing strips. The clinics are offering essential medicines and insulin at no cost to ensure early and sustained treatment.
Expert Advice on Type 1 Diabetes
According to Erum Ghafoor, Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation, type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening without timely insulin administration. She emphasized that symptoms such as excessive urination, thirst, stomach pain, vomiting, and fatigue should not be ignored.
Erum Ghafoor also urged parents to avoid feeding children unhealthy foods like fast food, deep-fried snacks, and artificially colored drinks to help prevent the condition.