The incidence of childhood diabetes in Australia has increased by 29 per cent in the past decade, making Aussie kids among the worst affected in the world.
While insulin allows children with Type 1 diabetes to live a seemingly active lifestyle, it does not prevent the condition’s long term effects which include kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness, heart attack and stroke. Sadly life expectancy is reduced generally by 10 to 15 years.
For children with Type 1 diabetes, like eleven year old India, a degree of difficulty is added to the joy of childhood. Holidays, outings, birthday parties, even going to school require a strategic approach to ensure blood glucose levels are kept in check to avoid a potentially life threatening situation. India has shared with us her experience of living with Type 1 diabetes, which you can read here.
Prevention of Type 1 diabetes is our goal. Murdoch Childrens has a dedicated team of researchers currently working on a project of international significance to investigate environmental contributors that may increase or decrease the risk factors for Type 1 diabetes. For more details on our research to prevent Type 1 diabetes, please view a short DVD clip here.
But it’s not just diabetes that is threatening our children’s wellbeing. Cancer, allergy, premature birth and mental health disorders are among the many conditions impacting youngsters’ quality of life.
Donate today to help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 by 30 June 2009. Your gift to the Murdoch Childrens is an investment in the future health of Australian children and will help us improve the health and wellbeing of children just like India.
