Over 1300 Children with Type 1 Diabetes Find Success in Social Impact Program

The three-year ongoing collaboration between the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) and Sanofi has begun to demonstrate a significant impact on the lives of children living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D). As part of this program, more than 1300 young T1D patients have been enrolled nationwide, including 69 from Maharashtra. The program is implemented by the People-to-People Health Foundation (PPHF).

These 1300 children are receiving better education on T1D management. Over the last 9-months (September 2022 to June 2023), the program’s intervention has reduced the number of children experiencing hypoglycaemia (1 to 4 times per week) by 46% (vs. 70%) and children experiencing hyperglycaemia (1 to 4 times per week) by 25% (vs. 52%).

As per the global Type 1 diabetes Index, in India T1D is growing at 6.7% each year compared with 4.4% for Type 2 diabetes. Referred to as juvenile or insulindependent diabetes, people living with Type 1 diabetes and their caregivers in India continue to face challenges in diabetes management. This is because very few dedicated doctors and educators are trained to treat and manage T1D. Other challenges are poor public awareness about T1D, the socio-economic burden, and access to proper healthcare facilities, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Other complexities include delayed diagnosis, poor cold-chain management for insulin, and insufficient education for patients and caregivers. Just a provision of access to insulin, test strips and good self-management, could help restore 21.2 years of healthy life per person^<1>.

Dr. Brij Makkar President

MD FIAMS, FICP, FRCP (Glasg,Edin), FACP (USA), FACE (USA), FRSSDI

President - Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI)

“With an estimated 8.6 lakh T1D patients in India^<2>, we cannot afford to overlook the urgent needs of children living with this condition.”

Dr. Sanjay Agarwal

MD, FACE, FACP

Secretary – Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI)

“For this program, RSSDI and Sanofi India are combining their respective experience and expertise to create a universal standard-of-care that provides access to treatment across India as per global recommendations. RSSDI is dedicated to transforming the landscape of T1D care in India.”

This Social Impact Program is aimed at improving the health status of T1D patients by creating a support program through a network of both trained healthcare professionals (HCPs) and T1D educators across India. Training doctors will enable correct diagnosis and management, leading to reduction in the occurrence of chronic complications.

Ms. Aparna Thomas

Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Sanofi India Limited

“We are hugely motivated to see the impact of our social program’s intervention that is very quickly improving the quality of life in so many children living with Type 1 diabetes in India. The program is designed to create the standard-of-care that is much needed in Type 1 diabetes for its diagnosis, education, and counselling. The program facilitates T1D training to increase the number of doctors and educators and in turn, access to T1D diagnosis, treatment, and care. Sanofi India’s social impact program also provides funds for free insulin to 1300 children who need the financial support to access treatment to manage their T1D optimally.”

Dr. Archana Sarda

(M.D.) Diabetologist

“Like Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is also experiencing an upward trend and while the prevalence may not be as significant, it is still a cause for alarm. Thus, comprehensive training and education on treatment, monitoring, dosage, and titration is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by children with Type 1 diabetes. By equipping healthcare professionals and educators in Maharashtra with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children.”