The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recently proposed better care and facilities for children living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in all States and Union Territories. This chronic condition, affecting the body’s insulin production, primarily impacts children and young adults, and according to the International Diabetes Federation Atlas 2021, India currently has the highest global number of children and adolescents with Type I Diabetes Mellitus (TIDM), at over 240,000.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
T1D is a health condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin – the hormone necessary to regulate blood sugar levels. It’s an autoimmune disorder, implying that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While the exact reasons for this remain unknown, it’s believed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development.
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes
Children with T1D typically need insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels. Managing T1D is crucial as it can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), ketoacidosis (a potentially dangerous condition where the body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose), and long-term issues like eye, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular damage.
Other Types of Diabetes
Apart from T1D, there are other types of diabetes which include Type 2 and Gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses insulin and can occur at any age but is most common in middle-aged and older people. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, occurs in pregnant women when the body becomes less responsive to insulin. It is not prevalent in all women and usually resolves post-delivery.
National and Global Initiatives Related to Diabetes
Several initiatives have been launched to prevent and control diabetes. One such effort is NPCDCS, which was started by India in 2010, focusing on infrastructure strengthening, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management, and referral. World Diabetes Day is commemorated annually on November 14th with the 2022 campaign highlighting access to diabetes education. Additionally, the WHO launched a Global Diabetes Compact to better combat the disease.
About the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
Established in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the NCPCR is a statutory body falling under the purview of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. It works to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms align with the child rights perspective, as laid down in the Indian Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Commission also handles complaints related to a child’s right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009, and monitors the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.