Women suffering with diabetes have limited access to health care facilities because of illiteracy, ignorance and negative social customs.
There is an increasing need to spread awareness through the media, seminars, posters, group discussions and education, regular monitoring and consulting the doctor, support group for women and facilities for aerobic exercises.
According to WHO report 55% of diabetes deaths occur in women. A substantial 80% increase is bound to be seen in middle to low income countries and the highest rise will be seen in Indian sub-continent. Type-2 diabetes is a condition characterized by insulin resistance which results in high blood sugar levels in the body.
The prevalence of diabetes is estimated to increase by 65% by 2030, resulting in 1 in 5 people in the world with diabetes to be Indian.
The major barriers living with diabetes in India include:
- Lack of knowledge and awareness – Diabetes is a multi-faceted disease and not just one type. People with Type 1 diabetes face innumerable questions and ignorant statements like, “You had too much sugar.”
- Cultural and social stigma – Being a girl with diabetes in India and being open about your disease does bring problems when it comes to marriage and pregnancy.
- Lack of availability of early and effective treatment – Many are given the “herbal concoctions” that fail to bring a cure.
- Access to insulin – There is no provision of medical insurance in India for people with Type 1 diabetes, so the person must buy everything out of pocket, including blood sugar strips, glucose meters and daily insulin. The government hospital provides insulin only to a few and not all variations of insulin are available. It is not easily accessible, and the cost of insulin isn’t easily affordable to the common man. Insulin pumps are available, but expensive for the middle-class society.
- Lack of affordable healthcare facilities – A good health care facility isn’t easily affordable and it’s difficult to provide special care to all diabetic patients suffering from complications with high and low blood sugar. Lack of awareness is another issue among patients about the disease complications and how to prevent morbidity and mortality.
- Lack of emotional and mental support – Diabetes destroys a person both physically and emotionally and the majority with this chronic illness suffer from depression. Living with Type 1 and dealing with it daily is emotionally draining for children and young adults alike.
According to the American Diabetes Association, women should be screened for diabetes at three-year intervals beginning at age 45, especially those who are overweight or obese.