Special care for diabetic kids on cards
Dept. seeks details of students in schools across state
By : Gilvester Assary
Update: 2014-05-04 05:13 GMT
Thiruvananthapuram: In a move to provide relief to children suffering from Type-1 diabetes, the education department is planning to seek details of such students studying in various schools across the state.
According to rough estimates, over 5.5 of the 22.5 per cent diabetic population in the state comprise juveniles. But there is no idea as to how many of them are currently in schools and other educational institutions.
Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb, when contacted, said the education department would take the initiative to identify students, who require special care, with the help of teachers and parents.
“Parents and teachers can also approach their respective district education officers and school authorities to provide information about such students. Once we get an idea about the number of students and the schools where they are studying, the government can devise a programme to help them. We will take this on priority as already there are programmes to help differently-abled children,’’ he told DC. DC had reported about the problems being faced by Type-1 diabetes children in schools across the state.
Such students often find it difficult to have snacks in between classes to prevent drop in sugar levels, use of glucometers to keep tabs on their blood glucose levels and take insulin injections during school time. Besides, these children also experience blackouts during the day because of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels.
“If the government takes the initiative to ascertain the number of Type-1 students in each school, then it will be a great step forward. It will also help in implementing programmes for their welfare, including subsidised medicines and insulin,’’ said Dr Jothydev, leading diabetologist. A section of parents hailed the government’s positive attitude towards their wards.
“It’s high time we had this kind of support system for our children in schools, especially to deal with emergencies. Perhaps the government can think of having teachers as point persons in each school to coordinate such activities,’’ said a parent.
But the Education Minister said it might not be feasible to have such support groups in all schools since the number of Type-1 diabetes children was not very high. The government would certainly take care of their needs. Experts say about 95 per cent of Type-1 diabetes sets in by 8 to 10 years of age.