The T1D Index is a new data simulation tool designed to provide a picture of the human and public health impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in every country in the world.
There are wide gaps in the data about the incidence and impact of T1D. The Index attempts to fill these gaps with educated estimates that support the case for further investment and better care.
The Index presents numbers for T1D on a country-by-country basis. Some of the key estimates include:
- How many people live with type 1 diabetes.
- How many additional people would still be living today, if they had not died due to complications arising from T1D.
- The number of young people with T1D dying without a diagnosis in 2022.
The Index also offers a series of interventions to help change the story for people living with T1D, including timely diagnosis and accessible care.
Life for a Child has been working on these issues in under-resourced communities for over 20 years. We have seen our interventions have deep and long-lasting impact for individuals, families, communities and nations. Here are just some examples.
- We develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) awareness posters in local languages to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of T1D so that timely diagnosis can be made, and swift treatment initiated to prevent life-threatening DKA. The impact of one of these campaigns, coupled with increased provision of care, can be seen in Mali where a huge increase in the number of children and young people living with T1D was recorded between 2007 and 2016.
- We source and develop high-quality educational materials for children, young people and their families that are written in their own language and reflective of their culture. We recently developed a carb-counting booklet focusing specifically on Indian foods to support self-management for T1D communities in India.
- We develop long standing partnerships with trusted local health clinics to provide insulin, syringes, blood-glucose monitoring equipment and diagnostics free of charge to young people in under resourced communities in 44 countries. Manuel’s grandfather told us that he wouldn’t be able to afford the insulin and supplies his grandson needs if it wasn’t for support from Life for a Child.
Everything we do is grounded in the belief that diabetes care is an inherent human right – and this is what we advocate for. The T1D Index provides us, our partners and the families we support, with valuable estimates to help make a compelling case for increased provision of care.
Our ultimate aim is to become redundant. But until then, we’ll stop at nothing to help. You can donate to support our work here.
The T1D Index and accompanying research has been published in the leading diabetes and endocrinology medical journal, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, you can access the paper free with registration here. The Index was developed by JDRF, Life for a Child, The International Diabetes Federation, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes and Beyond Type 1.