The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) recent release of specific guidelines regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of type-1 diabetes is a significant step in the healthcare sector. Type-1 diabetes, although less common than type-2, can be a more severe condition. This marks the first time ICMR has issued guidelines tailored for this form of diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is classified as a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that arises either when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or when the body can’t effectively utilize the insulin it generates. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose levels in the body.
Classifications of Diabetes
Diabetes can be categorized into three main types: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes because it primarily affects children aged 14-16 years, occurs when the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin. Although it is less common, it tends to be more severe than type 2 diabetes.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses insulin. It can manifest at any age, but it most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older people. Lastly, gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that some women experience during pregnancy due to the body becoming less sensitive to insulin.
Implications of Diabetes
This disease can significantly affect major organs such as the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes (retina). Various factors contribute to the prevalence of diabetes, including an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, and tobacco use.
The Rarity and Impact of Type-1 Diabetes
India tops the list with the highest number of children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes. Of the 2.5 lakh individuals living with type 1 diabetes in India, 90,000 to 1 lakh are under 14 years of age. Despite making up only 2% of all hospital cases of diabetes in the country, type 1 diabetes is being diagnosed increasingly.
Factors Influencing the Condition
Genetic factors significantly influence a person’s likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes, along with the presence of certain genes. The risk of a child developing the disease increases depending on whether a parent or sibling has it.
Management and Treatment Options
Alleviating the burden of type 1 diabetes involves measures such as continuous glucose monitoring and use of an artificial pancreas. Glucose monitoring devices can monitor blood glucose levels round-the-clock using a sensor. On the other hand, the artificial pancreas can automatically deliver insulin when needed.
Initiatives Towards Diabetes Management
Several initiatives aim to better manage and prevent diabetes globally. These include the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), launched by India in 2010 to tackle major NCDs; World Diabetes Day, observed every year on 14th November to spread awareness and improve access to diabetes education; and the Global Diabetes Compact launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance efforts against the disease.
