Sweetlings Centre to organise awareness campaign from November 14 to 21 on World Diabetes Day and Children’s Day

Pune: With the rising prevalence of diabetes, the Sweetlings Centre of Excellence for Type 1 Diabetes, functioning under the Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute (HCJMRI) of Jehangir Hospital, will organise a special awareness campaign and free diabetes risk screening initiative in Pune from November 14 to 21.

The initiative, organised on the occasion of World Diabetes Day and National Children’s Day, will include various activities aimed at promoting early diagnosis, preventive measures and appropriate treatment for diabetes.

Dr Anuradha Khadilkar, Director of the Sweetlings Centre and paediatrician, and Dr Vaman Khadilkar shared this information at a press conference. Aarti Irani, Chief Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer of Jehangir Hospital, Medical Officer Deepali Ladkat, Sweetlings Centre Project Head Mohnish Wagh and Public Relations Officer Neeraj Raskar were also present.

Dr Anuradha Khadilkar said, “The theme for World Diabetes Day for 2026-27 is ‘Diabetes: Taking Action Early’. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely interventions to reduce the risk of diabetes. According to estimates by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide is expected to reach 853 million by 2050.”

She expressed concern over the increasing incidence of Type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents. India has approximately 301,000 children and adolescents below the age of 20 living with Type 1 diabetes, making it the country with the highest number of such cases globally.

Explaining the condition, she said that in Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production. Patients require lifelong insulin therapy. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented through lifestyle modifications. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively.

Dr Vaman Khadilkar said that excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue are some of the common symptoms of diabetes. In children, symptoms may also include bedwetting after having previously stopped, increased hunger, weakness and reduced physical activity. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious complications.

As part of the campaign, screening and awareness activities will be conducted in public parks across Pune and for police personnel. The screening will include blood glucose tests, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment and waist circumference measurements. Experts will also provide guidance on nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle practices. Individuals found to be at risk will be advised to undergo further medical evaluation.

He added that there is currently no curative medication for Type 1 diabetes and insulin injections remain essential for managing the condition. Therefore, children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes need regular insulin administration.

The Sweetlings Centre currently provides comprehensive care to more than 850 children living with Type 1 diabetes. The facility also extends its services to Nagpur and Kolhapur. Along with medical treatment, the centre offers nutritional counselling, diabetes education and psychosocial support.

The centre has also created a child-friendly environment with dedicated spaces for play and recreation, ensuring that children feel comfortable and look forward to visiting the facility.

On November 14, a special carnival will be organised for underprivileged children living with Type 1 diabetes. A special programme for young adults will also be held on November 21, Dr Khadilkar added.