A regional first for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus care and community support

Mangaluru: In a significant step toward integrated and compassionate healthcare, A.J. Hospital & Research Centre inaugurated the first-ever Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Support Group for children and families in the region. The initiative aims to foster a sense of solidarity, education, and empowerment among young patients, their parents, and caregivers navigating the challenges of managing Type 1 Diabetes.

The launch event, held at 12 noon in the hospital’s Conference Hall, was attended by healthcare professionals, parents, and children. It marked a milestone in the hospital’s approach to chronic disease care, focusing not just on treatment but also on emotional and psychological well-being.

A new era of compassionate care

Dr Himamshu Acharya opened the session with a warm welcome and spoke about the need for psychosocial support alongside medical treatment. He stressed that chronic conditions like Type 1 Diabetes in children demand not only clinical monitoring but also sustained emotional resilience—for both the children and their families.

The support group was formally inaugurated by Dr Amitha P Marla, who praised A.J. Hospital’s progressive vision in creating such a platform. Her address focused on the importance of community engagement in chronic illness management. Dr Santhosh Soans also addressed the gathering, endorsing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in paediatric diabetes care.

Empowering parents through education

A highlight of the event was the keynote session by Dr Neela Bhamy Shenoy titled “Caring Without Crumbling: Stress Management for Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes.” She illuminated the often unspoken emotional load that parents carry and provided practical tools for resilience, stress relief, and effective caregiving.

This was followed by an interactive session led by Dr Supreetha Shetty and Dr Himamshu Acharya, where participants exchanged personal stories, asked questions, and engaged in guided educational activities. The session helped break down emotional barriers and established a sense of trust among the attending families.

A joyful space for children

In a delightful addition, the “Blue Santa Programme”—a special initiative by the Eris Team—added smiles and laughter to the gathering. Dressed in blue to symbolise diabetes awareness, the interactive activity brought festive cheer and fun to the children, showing that care can be both educational and joyful.

The programme concluded with a community lunch, offering space for informal networking and bonding among parents, children, and healthcare professionals.

A platform for continuity and empowerment

The newly launched support group will offer:

  • Emotional support for children and parents

  • Education on insulin management, diet, and exercise

  • Peer mentoring for shared learning

  • Community advocacy to raise diabetes awareness

    • This initiative by A.J. Hospital aligns with broader goals of comprehensive chronic disease management. It reflects the hospital’s growing role as a regional leader in child-centric healthcare and follows the empathetic ideals laid out in India’s public health vision.

    The tagline “Together, we support. Together, we thrive.” captures the essence of this collective effort, where families can navigate their journey with strength, support, and shared understanding.