Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 24: In a landmark step toward holistic care and empowerment for young patients living with diabetes, A J Hospital & Research Centre inaugurated the type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Support Group on June 24 at its Conference Hall. This initiative is a first-of-its-kind support platform in the region, aimed at building a strong, supportive, and informed community of children with Type 1 Diabetes, their parents, and caregivers.
The event, held at 12 noon, saw enthusiastic participation from healthcare professionals, children, families, and the wider public. It began with a welcome address by Dr Himamshu Acharya, who emphasised the need for emotional and psychological support alongside clinical care for children with chronic conditions like type 1 Diabetes.
The support group was formally inaugurated by Dr Amitha P Marla, who lauded the hospital’s proactive role in addressing the emotional and social aspects of diabetes management. Dr Santhosh Soans also graced the occasion, joining Dr Amitha P Marla in delivering a heartfelt guest address that underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary and compassionate approach to supporting children with Type 1 Diabetes and their families.
A highlight of the event was an insightful talk titled ‘Caring without crumbling: Stress management for parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes,” delivered by Dr Neela Bhamy Shenoy. She shed light on the silent burdens parents carry and offered tools for resilience and positive caregiving.
An engaging interactive session followed, led by Dr Supreetha Shetty and Dr Himamshu Acharya, allowing children and parents to share experiences, ask questions, and participate in educational activities. The session fostered open communication and reassurance among families facing similar challenges.
Adding a touch of joy and creativity, the ‘Blue Santa programme’ an initiative presented by the Eris Team brought smiles to the young attendees, reinforcing that healthcare can also be fun, festive, and empowering.
The programme concluded with lunch, providing an opportunity for informal networking among families and healthcare professionals.
A holistic approach to diabetes management
The newly launched Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Support Group is envisioned as a continuous platform for:
- Emotional and psychological support
- Education on self-care and glycemic control
- Peer connection and parent mentoring
- Community awareness and advocacy
‘Together, we support. Together, we thrive.’ is the core message of the initiative, reflecting its commitment to building a community rooted in empathy, care, and strength.
This pioneering effort by A J Hospital & Research Centre sets the stage for a more compassionate and comprehensive model of chronic disease management one where no child or parent feels alone in their journey.