- India is witnessing a sharp rise in Type 1 diabetes among children, with nearly 95,000 children under 14 years already living with the condition and 15,000+ new cases every year.
- Managing juvenile diabetes is a lifelong challenge—multiple insulin injections, continuous monitoring, strict diets, and the constant risk of emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Families from low-income backgrounds struggle the most; many cannot afford insulin and essential monitoring kits, putting children’s lives in constant danger.
- Without consistent care, young patients are at risk of early kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and premature mortality.
Moved by this reality, Dr. V. Ashwin Karuppan and TMF launched the Juvenile Diabetes Program to ensure that no child’s future is stolen by this condition simply because of cost or lack of access.
Children are the strength and future of our nation—investing in them yields a lifetime of impact, far greater than late interventions in geriatric care.- Dr. V. Ashwin Karuppan
Impact of the Program
- 20,000+ children and adolescents screened for early detection.
- Free insulin support, diagnostic tests, Medical Consultation and nutrition counselling provided to children from economically weaker sections.
- The youngest beneficiary was just — years old, proving how early this disease can strike.
- Children previously at risk of school dropouts due to illness now enjoy improved quality of life, better academic participation, and renewed confidence.
Early intervention has already prevented dozens of life-threatening complications, giving children back their childhood and families back their hope.
Future Vision
- Establish dedicated pediatric diabetes clinics in every TMF hub by 2030.
- Launch a Digital Diabetes Monitoring Program to provide continuous remote support for at least 10,000 children in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Research partnerships to develop affordable insulin delivery systems and diagnostic tools tailored for Indian children.
- Collaborations with schools to create diabetes-friendly campuses, ensuring no child is left behind in education.
Beyond Treatment – Comprehensive Support
- Counselling for children and families, addressing the emotional toll of a lifelong disease.
- Peer support groups so children learn they are not alone in their journey.
- Nutrition and lifestyle coaching designed for children and teens, balancing treatment with healthy growth.
- Integration with nephrology and cardiology programs, since juvenile diabetes often leads to complications in multiple organs.
Awareness Campaigns
- School-based awareness drives to help teachers and peers understand diabetes and support affected children.
- Community education programs to reduce stigma, promote early screening, and improve adherence to treatment.
- Public health campaigns focused on lifestyle and nutrition to reduce preventable complications later in life.
The Juvenile Diabetes Care Program goes beyond treatment — it is a comprehensive ecosystem focused on improving lives today, strengthening prevention and awareness tomorrow, and advancing innovation in pediatric diabetes care.
