The Telangana government’s Health department, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), is set to provide free glucometers to Type 1 diabetes patients across the State. This initiative was discussed by RV Karnan, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, at a programme marking World Diabetes Day held by the Department of Endocrinology at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) on Thursday.
“The Telangana government is progressive in addressing and supporting Type 1 diabetes management in children,” said Karnan.
“The endocrinology departments at Gandhi, Osmania and NIMS are actively monitoring these patients, with organisations like Sweet Souls NGO playing a crucial role in raising awareness among parents, schools and colleges.”
He emphasised that managing Type 1 diabetes is challenging, as it often results from genetic factors, unlike Type 2 diabetes, which can be managed or reversed through lifestyle changes.
The Commissioner explained that the State plans to make glucometers freely available to Type 1 diabetes patients State-wide, ensuring they can regularly monitor their glucose levels. “With the support of the NHM, we will soon begin providing glucometers throughout Telangana,” Karnan added.
Furthermore, new non-communicable disease (NCD) clinics are to be established in district hospitals, allowing for local diabetes management without the need for travel to Hyderabad. Each district will have dedicated diabetes management services with trained specialists, ensuring easy access to insulin and necessary medications.
Additionally, Telangana’s Health and Family Welfare department is coordinating with the school education sector to combat stigma and promote awareness about Type 1 diabetes, including insulin use, in a safe, supportive environment for children.
In a progressive move, the Telangana government has also approved free insulin pumps for eligible Type 1 diabetes patients and now it is available under the Arogyasri scheme. These pumps costing nearly Rs two lakh are provided free of cost to necessary patients and help manage glucose levels more effectively.
