Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children: experience in Indonesia

Abstract

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children in Indonesia is increasing although the real number is unknown due to high rate of misdiagnosis. Public and healthcare awareness on T1DM in children is still low, reflected by the high number of children diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IPS) had published a guideline on T1DM management, which consists of insulin injection, daily monitoring of blood glucose, nutrition, physical activity, and education. Aside from low awareness, current challenges on T1DM management in Indonesia are funding by the national health insurance, fasting during Ramadan, and inequities on DM care. The involvement of society, healthcare workers, stakeholders, and the government is of importance to ensure optimal management for children with diabetes.