There are approximately 20 thousand children with Type 1 diabetes in Turkey. These children need to measure their blood sugar regularly every day and receive the insulin hormone externally through injection. For this reason, sugar levels can be measured with the sensor placed under the skin of children without puncturing their fingers. Responding to families’ demands for many years, SGK has finally included the sensors within the scope of reimbursement for those under the age of ‘2-18’. Thanks to these devices, children’s glucose levels can be measured in real time. The results of the measurements will be sent to smartphones. The prices of the devices vary between 4 thousand TL and 10 thousand TL.
TURNING POINT
Koç University Faculty of Medicine Faculty Member and President of the Children with Diabetes Foundation, Prof.Dr., who has been fighting for years for children with type 1 diabetes and their families. Şükrü Hatun stated that the decision is an important turning point for children with diabetes and said, “Previously, sensor support was provided by the Ministry of Family and only to those who had a certificate of need for assistance. Now, sensor support will be provided by SSI to children between the ages of 2-18. The price of the devices starts from 4 thousand 300 TL and can go up to 9 thousand TL.” he said
ALSO REQUIRED FOR OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE
Prof. also stated that every child’s sensor needs are different. Dr. lady;
“SGK aid should also cover those with type 1 diabetes over the age of 18. There are also people suffering from gestational diabetes. These people should also receive SSI aid. SSI will provide approximately one billion liras of support annually for our children with diabetes. The usage period of the sensors varies between 7 and 14 days. “The devices measure glucose from tissue fluid every 5 minutes.” he said.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Assoc. Prof. from the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology. Dr. Sebahat Yılmaz Ağdıoğlu stated that this disease is more common in children, especially in the 5-14 age group, and listed the most common symptoms in children as follows: “Excessive thirst and frequent urination, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, increased appetite.” Children with a family history of type 1 diabetes are at higher risk Stating that they are, Ağdıoğlu advised parents and teachers to be aware of the symptoms and to immediately consult a health professional in suspicious cases.
438 MILLION WITH DIABETES
Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Prof. Dr. Süleyman Hilmi İpekçi, “While pointing to the World Diabetes Federation data, he said: “There are 438 million diabetics in the world. According to IDF Diabetes Atlas data, Türkiye flies the flag at the top in Europe. The rate of individuals with diabetes in Turkey is at 14.5 percent. “There are nearly 10 million people with diabetes across the country.”
Emphasizing the importance of diagnosing diabetes, İpekçi said, “If the disease is diagnosed, it becomes easier to manage the disease and educate the patient. We touch the patient regarding the treatment of the disease. We see that the rate of undiagnosed diabetic patients among all diabetics in our country is close to 50 percent. So, almost “One in two diabetics do not know they have diabetes and cannot access treatment.” he said.
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