Instilling confidence in young diabetics

A group of 50 diabetic children along with their families and doctors together shared their experiences and helped boost each others morale at the historic Red Fort here Saturday.

Organised by super specialty Apollo Hospitals, the outing was aimed at encouraging the youngsters to talk about their disease instead of feeling ashamed and hiding it, which happens in a lot of cases, said the doctors.

"At a young age, being a diabetic patient can be shattering and can rob the person of his confidence. But we want the patients to know that they are normal and not any different from others," said S.K. Wangnoo, senior consultant endocrinologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.

"We aim to break down the taboo of diabetes where youngsters prefer hiding this disease from their peer groups. They should know that they are well capable to lead a normal life," he added.