Hyderabad: 22 kids all below 15 years enthralled Thursday night at HICC their Doctors, 1000 plus of them, came from 59 countries from all over the world. They are the delegates of ISPAD 2018–International Society for Pediatric & Adolescent Diabetes

The occasion was 44th Annual Congress of Endocrinologists, Diabetalogists, Diabetes Educators, Dieticians, Psychologists, and other specialties.  The conference will help its attendees update on the latest in treatment, interventions, technology, epidemiology, registries, acute and chronic complications, co-morbidities, communication, support from mental health professionals and the need to “live with diabetes, not for diabetes”.

22 underprivileged children with type 1 diabetes, who came all the way from Aurangabad presented a glimpse of the vibrant and colourful ancient culture of India to the the whole world. They

are type 1 diabetes kids.  They travelled first time train to reach Hyderabad. They had little time to practice. But, they impressed with their performance so much so that the entire gathering of  doctors gave them standing ovation.

India is the 2nd largest country with Type1 Diabetese in Children after USA.  Nealry 1, 28,000 patients(as agaisnt 7.3 crore adult diabetes) suffer from Type 1 Diabetes, which is the second largest in the world after USA where nearly two lakh children suffer. Pediatric Diabetes are most neglected lot in the country.

Type 1 Diabetes can do anything and pursue any dreams including tough endurance challenges say Experts who are assembled for the meet at HICC. They dispelled myths that childhood diabetes shouldn’t eat sugar. They can’t do anything etc.  Many with Type 1 Diabetes are doing wonders. There are mountaineers, cricketers, heads of nations such as British PM, Vaseem Akram, Cricketer; Soccer Players. No one should discriminate Type 1 Diabetes, who are not allowed in Central Govt Jobs.

These children came from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. They travelled with 5 Diabetes Coaches from Aurangabad to Hyderabad for ISPAD inaugural program.

They are managing their 3 day trip by carrying food, insulin, glucometers with them, along with emergency kits for low or high sugars.

The youngest child is 11, and rest is between 12 to 19 years of age. Many  travelled in a train for the first time.

They performed Ganapati Vandana in Bharatnatyam, followed by folk dances of India showcasing India’s rich ancient culture. 650 foreign Diabetic specialists and 350 Indian Doctors enjoyed their performance.  Undeterred by their medical condition, they performed as normal children, proving people that Type 1 Diabetes cannot do any activities.  The gathering of Doctors was so impressed with the kid’s performance that they gave instant standing ovation to them.

The ISPAD theme this year of ‘Reaching the Unreached’ is reflected in these children getting an opportunity to show what children with Type 1 Diabetes can do.

The very nature of diabetes does not typically lend itself to taking part in activities like these. But, like these and others are proving otherwise.  Indeed a great encouraging event for the Diabetics.