Chandigarh: A study conducted by PGI researchers has revealed that 20% of children living with Type 1 Diabetes in northern India experience mental and emotional challenges. Published in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, the research examined 97 children aged between 4 and 15 years who had been diagnosed with the condition at least six months earlier.While the children’s overall average mental health scores matched local healthy population norms, one-fifth exceeded the threshold indicating significant psychological maladjustment.Depression showed the strongest link to long-term blood sugar averages (measured as HbA1c), followed by behavioural difficulties and low intelligence. Overall mental health problems intensified with high blood sugar episodes, recent hospital stays and total hospitalisations. Long-term blood sugar averages and total hospitalisations independently accounted for 7.5% and 16% of the variation in psychological scores, respectively.Unlike in Western countries, where psychosocial problems among diabetic youth are often reported to be significantly higher, the researchers noted that strong family networks and joint family living in India may offer better emotional support and coping mechanisms. Furthermore, many families followed simpler, less intensive two-injection routines and were less stressed about achieving strict blood sugar targets, possibly owing to a lack of awareness.The authors concluded that since psychological struggles are common and closely linked to physical control and hospital visits, routine mental health screening and multidisciplinary support should become a standard part of paediatric diabetes care from the very beginning.“Apart from medical complications, they develop a lot of psychological problems. Because of the stressful treatment regimen — eight needle pricks daily and a lot of restrictions — children face psychological issues. A common complaint by parents is that the child is stubborn and does not listen, contributing to poor control of sugar levels, without realising the psychological burden on their child,” said Prof Rakesh Kumar, department of pediatrics, PGIMER.Research in a nutshell–The research evaluated 59 boys and 38 girls who were on regular follow-up–Nearly half of the patients (48%) belonged to lower socio-economic backgrounds, 39% lived in joint or extended families, and 96% lived with both parents–Additionally, 6% of the children had associated thyroid problems and 11% had celiac disease–The most frequent problems identified were behavioural issues (conduct disorders) at 24.5%; habit-related behaviours such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking or pica (craving non-food or non-nutritive substances) at 24%; emotional distress linked to physical illness at 23%; anxiety at 10%; and depression at 7%–Nearly 72% of the children used a standard routine of three insulin injections per day (pre-mixed morning and evening shots plus a pre-lunch dose), while only 14% used four daily injections of newer insulin options–About 73% checked their blood sugar at least three times daily, 20% administered their own injections, and 25% experienced tissue changes at injection sitesExperts flag care challenges for children with diabetesOver 150 children living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families gathered at the Advanced Paediatrics Centre Auditorium at PGIMER on Saturday to mark World Diabetes Day 2026.Organised by the paediatric endocrinology unit and paediatric diabetes services of the department of pediatrics, in collaboration with the Association for Children with Type 1 Diabetes (ACT1D), the event highlighted the daily medical, financial and social challenges faced by young patients.Senior health officials, including Dr Rajiv Batish (DGHS, Haryana), Dr Suman Singh (DHS, Chandigarh), and Dr Satinder Verma (NCD Division, Haryana), attended the programme alongside clinicians and advocacy groups.Highlighting the unmet needs in paediatric T1D management in India, Prof Rakesh Kumar from PGI stressed that, unlike type 2 diabetes, T1D is an unavoidable, lifelong autoimmune condition that requires immediate and continuous insulin therapy. While proper care enables children to lead normal lives, families in resource-constrained settings struggle with the recurring costs of insulin, monitoring strips and sensors.Beyond the financial strain, parents grapple with constant anxiety over life-threatening hypoglycaemia and disrupted sleep. At school, children often face a lack of awareness among peers and teachers, complicating routine glucose checks, insulin administration and participation in sports. These challenges ultimately affect their education and emotional well-being.Speakers called for urgent govt intervention to establish publicly funded diabetes care programmes, ensuring that every child has uninterrupted access to insulin and modern monitoring technologies, regardless of their financial background. They also called for “diabetes-friendly schools” with sensitised staff and dedicated support during examinations and physical activities, asserting that no child should face discrimination or preventable complications.The event concluded with hands-on demonstrations of insulin delivery and glucose-monitoring devices, along with an open forum to address parents’ concerns.
