The prevalence of diabetes in Reunion Island is higher than nationally. The disease affects an average of 400 children per year on the island, including 320 affected by type 1 diabetes. This is particularly the case for little Djenael, aged 3. His father testifies.
Djenael, a 3-year-old from Reunion, is type 1 diabetic. In March 2024 he was taken to hospital for health problems. The child’s parents will learn that he has type 1 diabetes. For them it is a shock, and the routine of this little family is turned upside down.
“The family’s life has completely changed. We have become more united and in terms of food, the whole family has changed. We didn’t want to deprive him, so we adapted to his diet” explains Samuel Buisson de Larichaudy, the child’s father.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that cannot be cured because the pancreas no longer functions. It must be diagnosed quickly to avoid complications. The junior diabetics association is launching an awareness campaign. This association supports parents when they discover the disease.
“In 2020 we created a unit which brings together patient partners, nurses, psychologists and social workers who support families. Every month we carry out several actions to be able to bring these families together on several themes“, Edwige le Gac, President of the Association of Junior Diabetics (ADJ).
The Réunion Regional Health Agency is a partner in this campaign. She considers this action as a primary mission. “We support all health stakeholders and associations working around diabetes. Diabetes is a major public health issue in the region, 86,000 people are affected by this disease“, explains Gérard Cotellon, director general of the ARS.
Each year, the ARS mobilizes 4 million euros for this cause. According to doctors and the association, the symptoms of type 1 diabetes are weight loss, constant fatigue, high water consumption and lots of trips to the toilet.
Health
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