Thiruvananthapuram: The state Cabinet on Wednesday decided to provide free insulin pumps to children with diabetes in the state. At the Cabinet briefing, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the insulin pumps which ranged from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh would be provided free of cost to diabetic children cutting across BPL and APL categories.
“Many children are suffering because their parents cannot afford high cost of pumps. The project will be implemented on the lines of cochlear implant programme by social justice department,” he said.
According to rough estimates, there are around 5000 children with Type 1 diabetes in the state. Experts say children develop Type 1 diabetes when insulin secretion stops from pancreas and consequences are very serious if proper treatment is not given. They require a minimum of four insulin shots daily. But many a time students don’t take insulin before lunch. In Europe and US when a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes he is given insulin pump free of cost.
“Unlike in Type 2 diabetes sugar levels go up and down like roller coaster. Insulin pumps are best therapy for Type 1 diabetes. The guidelines for use of insulin pumps have been published as to whom it should be given. It should be deployed by highly trained people. Proper training should also be provided for students, teachers and parents,” said diabetologist Dr Jothydev Kesavadev.
How insulin pump works: Insulin pump is a pager like device. Rapid acting insulin is filled inside the pump. A small tube connects the pump to the surface of abdomen or it can be attached on the front portion of thigh. A small plastic needle under the skin infuses insulin continuously. Insulin is released drop by drop by drop and it mimics the normal secretion from a healthy pancreas. It produces general well being, reduce occurrence of low sugar and helps in better control of glucose.
The success of pump therapy solely depends on training and how it is being used. Improper use and improper training has resulted in 40 per cent failure rate. Since insulin has to be refilled, infusion set and needle changed frequently, the recurring cost could come to Rs 10,000 per month.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
