Parents face tough time caring for child with type 1 diabetes

About eight years ago, a child, who had come to Dr Phulrenu Chauhan, head, department of endocrinology, Hinduja Hospital, was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes. His grandparents, however, refused to accept the child’s medical condition. That is when Chauhan  put them in touch with other child patients and their parents. The interactions helped them to a large extent and the outcome was the juvenile diabetes support group, pioneered by Chauhan.

The group, which meets once every two or three months at the Hinduja Hospital, helps patients and their parents to interact with specialists, including nutritionists, counsellors and endocrinologists. “About 15 to 30 people attend every meet,” Chauhan said. “Children have a lot to say. They are also very receptive to advice. They often end up teaching each other. Such groups are essential to create more awareness, especially when it comes to uncommon disorders.”

Bina Chheda, mother of 13-year-old Megha, who suffers from type 1 diabetes, has been associated with the group since its inception. “Megha learnt to cope with the disorder only because of the group,” Chheda said. “We parents need this a lot more than children. We always discuss diet and healthy recipes. As the parent of a juvenile diabetic, I have to be particular about what my child eats.”

Ten-year-old Sofia, a resident of Surat, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two, has attended several meetings of the group. “I tell other kids what to do,” Sofia said. For further information on the juvenile diabetes support group, contact Sheela Jaywant on 9969201003.