Given that India is the Diabetes capital in the world, home to more than 25% of the diabetics of the world, it is only natural that the number of Type 1 diabetics in India leads every other country by a fair margin. In 2022, a nationwide study by ICMR reported that India has nearly 95600 cases of Type 1 diabetes in children under 14 years of age. This report further stated that annually around 16000 fresh cases get added to this age group.

Type 1 Diabetes is a deadly disease that poses unique challenges for patients as well as healthcare services in India. People living with type 1 diabetes, a congenital condition, are most likely first diagnosed in the Emergency Room when they are fighting for their life. Upon diagnosis, the management of Type 1 Diabetes causes a significant financial strain on families. Such diabetics often face a plethora of complications that increase this financial burden. Given that India is the Diabetes capital in the world, home to more than 25% of the diabetics of the world, it is only natural that the number of Type 1 diabetics in India leads every other country by a fair margin.

In 2022, a nationwide study by reported that India has nearly 95600 cases of Type 1 diabetes in children under 14 years of age. This report further stated that annually around 16000 fresh cases get added to this age group.

Socio-economic Impact of Type 1 Diabetes

In a developing nation like India, type 1 diabetes detected early on poses various challenges for the patient.

Financial Strain: Managing type 1 diabetes involves ongoing expenses for insulin, glucose monitoring, and successive medical consultations. For families with limited resources, this burden can be quite overwhelming. Further, type 1 diabetes can also lead to increased financial and emotional dependency on caregivers and family members. This can further impair the economic growth of those affected. Health insurance providers also are resistant to under-writing type 1 diabetics, often enrolling them under many stringent conditions. This causes further financial strain on the people suffering from the disease.

Educational Disruptions: Type 1 diabetes is a demanding condition that requires frequent intervention in the form of blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration and medical emergencies. For children and students, this may cause significant interruptions in their education, disrupt their academic routine and impede their educational progress.

Employment Barriers: As mentioned above, since type 1 diabetes is a demanding condition, adults living with the disease often face challenges in gaining stable employment or continuous career growth. There is often a fear of discrimination and limited access to healthcare at the place of employment, and the need for workplace accommodations can hamper their professional development and economic stability.

Social Stigmatization: People with type 1 diabetes in India may face social stigmatization and discrimination due to misconceptions and lack of awareness about the condition. This can result in isolation, limited social interactions, and reduced opportunities for personal and professional development.

Healthcare Resource Allocation: The increasing prevalence of type 1 diabetes adds pressure on the healthcare system, affecting resource allocation and healthcare delivery. The cost of providing specialized care and diabetes-related services strains healthcare budgets, potentially impacting the availability and accessibility of services for all individuals, including those with type 1 diabetes.

Addressing these socioeconomic impacts requires holistic approaches that focus on improving access to care, enhancing education and awareness, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive policies. By addressing these challenges, we can mitigate the socioeconomic burden of type 1 diabetes in India and empower individuals to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Strategies for Mitigation

To mitigate the socioeconomic impact of type 1 diabetes in India, a comprehensive approach is necessary. The following strategies can help address the challenges and empower individuals with type 1 diabetes:

Enhancing accessibility to healthcare: Making healthcare accessible and diabetes related supplies affordable is crucial. The first step to achieving this is by establishing a national patient registry for Type 1 diabetics. This would help authorities to make services and supplies available on a real time basis. Collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and organizations can effectively minimize financial barriers.

One has to make special mention of the role that government has to play in this as no private player can possibly replicate what the government has in terms of resources and reach. A good PPP in this space, where private players provide technical expertise in terms of ensuring quality of insulin and government ensures efficient supply chain management, would be able to produce faster results in identifying and addressing the problem before the children succumb to it.

Awareness and education: Raising awareness about type 1 diabetes through education and outreach is important. Just last week, a youngster suffering from Juvenille Diabetes passed away in the school toilet and succumbed to her condition in urban Mumbai. If this is the awareness level in metropolitan Mumbai, the level of apathy and knowledge in rest of the country is nightmarish. By promoting understanding and garnering support from the general public, healthcare professionals, and educational institutions, we can improve diabetes management and combat social stigmatization.

Policy framework: Advocating for policies that prioritize diabetes management, such as comprehensive insurance coverage and workplace accommodations, is essential. Engaging policymakers in constructive dialogue is vital for implementing positive systemic changes that safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Support networks: Establishing supportive networks, both online and offline, is invaluable. These networks offer individuals and families living with type 1 diabetes a sense of belonging and emotional support. They serve as platforms for sharing experiences, knowledge, and resources, fostering a stronger community.

Last words

The socioeconomic impact of type 1 diabetes in India encompasses various challenges that extend beyond health considerations. However, by adopting comprehensive strategies as mentioned above, we can work towards mitigating these impacts and creating a more supportive and inclusive society.

Improving access to care, promoting education and awareness, fostering equal opportunities, and implementing inclusive policies are key pillars in addressing the socioeconomic burden of type 1 diabetes. By enhancing affordability and availability of diabetes management resources, raising awareness to combat stigmatization, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of individuals with diabetes, we can create an environment where those affected can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of these individuals and recognize the potential they possess to contribute to society. By investing in their health and socioeconomic empowerment, we pave the way for a more equitable India. Let us join hands, break down barriers, and build a future where individuals with type 1 diabetes can thrive, realizing their full potential while fostering a healthier, inclusive, and prosperous nation for all.

Paul Abraham, President, Hinduja Foundation

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthwold.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person / organisation directly or indirectly.

Courtesy: Outlook – Online