New Initiatives for Children with Diabetes in Odesa
A working group was established in Odesa in 2021 to address the medical needs of children with diabetes. This initiative allowed the city authorities, health care institutions, NGOs, and parents of diabetic children to unite efforts for improving the quality of life of children with diabetes.
Last year, Odesa initiated the procurement of insulin pumps for children with diabetes as part of the "Health" municipal program.
Over two years, the city budget funded the purchase and installation of 36 insulin pumps, and 58 children received supplies for their use.
For children with diabetes, having an insulin pump means no more injections, reduced stress, accurate dosing, timely insulin delivery, prevention of complications, and the ability to lead an active life.
Additionally, children with diabetes are provided with free continuous glucose monitoring systems. By 2024, more than 200 monitoring systems have been installed, helping to prevent significant daily fluctuations in blood sugar levels and avoid debilitating complications.
At the Children's Consultative and Diagnostic Center named after Acad. B. Y. Reznik, the educational project "Diabetes School" has been launched. The project offers training for children and their parents on improving quality of life, ensuring proper nutrition, engaging in sports, and more. Workshops on psychological support for children with diabetes and their families are also held in cooperation with the NGO "Psychological Space of the CDC".
This year, with the support of the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa City Council, a project has been initiated to raise awareness about diabetes among staff in general education schools. Information on recognizing emergencies and providing first aid to children with diabetes has already been shared with 50 teachers, and the educational project continues.
"Odesa is the only city in Ukraine that has installed such a large number of insulin pumps for children with diabetes in outpatient settings in recent years. Overall, Odesa leads in funding medical assistance for children with diabetes from the city budget," noted the director of the Reznik Center, Valentina Velychko.
