Type 1 diabetes is lesser known than its more famous cousin Type 2, but it's the deadlier of the two diseases, particularly because it targets children. According to data provided by the International Diabetes Federeation's Diabetes Atlas, India stands second amongst the top 10 countries for the number of children with Type 1 diabetes (0-14 years). The numbers have been increasing by 3% every year, the report added.
According to American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes occurs in infants and young adults, and is also known as juvenile diabetes. In this form of diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin, so unlike Type 2, which is more stress induced or a genetic disease, Type 1 is categorised as an auto-immune disease.
"People don't immediately understand if a child has Type 1 diabetes. It is usually detected through a 'crisis situation' wherein the child suddenly collapses. While conducting several tests, we discover that their blood sugar levels that should ideally be anything below 140 mg/dL, skyrocket to anything between 600 and 800 mg/dL. The children are then hospitalised and their sugar levels are regulated," explains Dr Archana Sarda, a diabetologist, who runs Udaan, an Aurangabad-based NGo that takes care of children suffering from Type 1 diabetes.
To show that the children can live normal lives, the NGO, along with Diabetes India, and Sanofi India organised a three-day trek to Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in Maharashtra, located near Igatpuri. "Some of the children are experienced trekkers, with a couple of them also scaling Base Camp at Mt Everest," added Sarda.
The trek, which usually takes a full day to scale was broken up so that the trekkers could take regular breaks to have a meal and take their insulin shots. "Unlike in Type 2 diabetes, insulin shots are mandatory in Type 1 diabetes, as is eating every two hours," she explained.
Twenty four young adults aged between 16 and 20 successfully scaled the peak. But the Udaan team was also cautious. Along with them, there was a fully equipped emergency team, as well as a team of expert trekkers to help rush the participants down in a case of emergency. "Most of the trekkers are fit and they are used to trekking, but we can't take any chances," added Sarda.
N Rajaram of Sanofi India said that the idea behind the initiative was to show that if patients follow discipline and take care of themselves, then medication works better. "We don't want to just sell medicines; we want people to become better and live regular, normal lives," he said.
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