Young diabetics made to eat bitter pill of isolation

 Isolation at friends’ birthday parties and lack of understanding by teachers towards their mood swings, are some of the problems faced by young diabetics.

With the rising popularity of fast food at parties, they are unable to eat what others eat, and hence, feel out of the place.

School teachers are unaware of their eating patterns, thus creating an insensitive environment to the diabetic kids

Some of these concerns were raised at a workshop on type one diabetics in New Delhi on Sunday. Sixty odd patients in the age group ranging from 3 to 29 years gathered to articulate their problems and to find answers.

Parents of diabetic patients were also present at the workshop.
“School-going children take morning shot of insulin in early morning but only two hours later, they start feeling irritable and restless.

At times, they are scolded for their behaviour. The only thing needed to be done is to give them light food like a fruit, or biscuits, or few almonds. Thus, they will not have to wait till recess to eat, which becomes a need two hours after taking in insulin,” said diabetologist Dr A K Jhingan.

He said teachers and friends of diabetic children should be sensitised about their specific needs.

Similarly, he added, diabetic children should be allowed to eat things such as burgers and ice-creams once in a while.

“At parties, a burger stuffed with tomatoes and cucumber can be prepared for them so that they can eat with friends and not feel left out,” said Dr Jhingan.

Other issue raised in the workshop was pertaining to physical exercises and games. There is a misunderstanding that diabetic kids should not be involved in physical work. Thus, they are discouraged from participating in games and are restrained from being a part of sporting teams in schools.

“Imran Khan, former cricket captain of Pakistan and one of the best fast bowlers of his times, was a type-1diabetic. Sir Steven Redgrave won his fifth Olympic Gold medal for rowing after being diagnosed of type-1 diabetes. Thus, these children should be allowed to play as much as possible,” said Dr Jhingan.