Our 10 yr old daughter got diagnosed with Type 1, 2 yrs back. We live in the US, but are originally from southern India (Tamil) .We had never heard of Type 1 before the diagnosis and were completely shocked when the hospital informed the way of life that our little angel has to lead with insulin for rest of her life. Since then I have heard quite a few people from India mention about this disease. How is the life in India with Type 1? What do you do when there is an emergency like extreme low or sickness and you need to get the hospital immediately. Given the traffic conditions, how easy is it to get help in India? These questions pop up when we plan on a vacation to India. We have not visited India since the diagnosis fearing these things…please comment if you have an experience.
My son was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes last year on his fifth birthday, Since then we are strugling .We belong to Pakistan and last year when he was diagosed we were shocked too as we were not even aware of anything like that. He is on an Isulin pump which is making our and his life much easier an less painful,We are going to pakistan this month and i am worried too but at the same time i am taking all my supplies for pump and all the things which might be needed there.I hope every thing will be o.k with him during our stay.
I wish you the best of time in Pakistan. Do let me know how your trip went. One thing I found useful is giving my daughter one fruit after every meal. Usually people say it rises the BG, but in her case may be because of the fiber in it, she generally keeps well with her numbers. Small apple, 15 pieces of grapes, small banana, one kiwi or 1.5 cups of water melon - all these are 15 g carb. Having 3 or 4 fruits per day is also good.
Hi
I just happen to find your posting on Tudiabetes while I was on google searching "type 1 among indians"! I am a Type 1 diabetic diagnosed when I was 21. I have been back to india twice since then and did not have have any issues. I did go with ton of diabetic supplies just in case! I also carried glucose tablets always with me...anytime I feel like I was going low I would pop a glucose pill. I am sure these days you would be able to find supplies in any good pharmacy.
I have been on insulin pump for about a year now. Is your daughter on pump? Also does she have a sensor? If she has those they would definitely help to keep her levels under control.
By the way I am from South India too (Ooty) and I noticed you live in Ann Arbor! I live in metro Detroit! Awesome eh!
I have been trying to find support groups for Type 1 diabetics of Indian origin. I think we have our own challenges ....especially when it comes to our food and carb counting!
Diabetes care in India is pathetic. There isn’t even insurance and ‘diabetes’ is a big no while applying for insurance. Insulin pens/syringes are widely available, but way too expensive for a common man. Testing strips are insanely highly priced. Insulin pumps and CGM are possible only in the wildest of dreams. I hope that situation will improve and help people like me living in India with type 1 diabetes.
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 four months back...We live in US.She love all our traditional tamil food.But all indian food spike her blood sugar and come down after 2 hours.She is vegan finding more trouble in including protein in meal.Most of the time it will be with beans and veggies.She literally stopped eating food.I need your help in preparing a food plan I can give her.Please I need your help in food I can give her.