Apollo Children’s Hospitals launches specialized Insulin Pump Clinic for children with Type 1 diabetes on Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day, the 14th of November, 2014!

Age is not a factor for Diabetes, children and adolescents can get diabetes even at their young age. Persistent high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) is called Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is common in children and young people. Parents and doctors should be aware of the symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment could avoid developing a life-threatening complication called Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Type 1 Diabetes is a life-long disease, with scientific advances; children with type 1 diabetes can be treated effectively but not cured. The only effective treatment for these children is Insulin. Insulin can only be given as injections and should be given regularly to control the blood sugar effectively.

Managing children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes can be very difficult and challenging due to their growth and pubertal hormones, eating habits and unpredictable activities. The best, currently available treatment is by giving insulin as Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) or via Insulin Pump. However, Insulin pump therapy in children has certain advantages over MDI in children, as it is the most physiological way of delivering insulin with less injections leading to better blood sugar control with less hypoglycaemic episodes and thereby leading to better quality of life.

Hence, Apollo Children’s hospital has launched a highly specialized Insulin Pump Clinic for these children handled by a well-trained Paediatric Multi-disciplinary Diabetes team consisting of Paediatric Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Diabetes specialist nurses/ educators, Paediatric dieticians and Child Psychologists. After a detailed initial assessment, the patient and the family are provided with necessary education/ training before starting on Insulin pump therapy, then they are provided with ongoing education, training and continuous 24/7 telephone support for the patients and their family members which will help them manage this complex condition better and thus offering the best comprehensive care for the children with Type 1 Diabetes. Dr.Anbezhil, Consultant Pediatric Diabetologist and Endocrinologist, explained the concept.

The Apollo Children’s Hospital also launched the Voice of the Customer for better recording of the responses and feedback from the customers. The team led by Mr.Kowshik Bhattacharjee handed over the tab to Dr.Seema Pandey, the importance of customer feedback was explained to the staffs.

A CME was also organized by Dr.Ramkumar, Pediatric Endocrinologist on handling pediatric diabetes, many consultants from other hospitals also participated.

Apollo Children’s Hospitals made their little patient’s participate in painting competitions, dance and singing which made the launch a day to cherish.