Many people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes will receive some aid for supplies and medication. If asked, many endocrinologists will give their patients extra glucose monitors or even some extra test strips. Some larger pharmaceutical companies developed programs to help uninsured families obtain insulin and other day- to-day type 1 diabetes supplies.
While these acts are very much needed and appreciated by children suffering from type 1 diabetes, the majority of children whose parents have insurance are unable to afford the medical devices necessary to manage their diabetes appropriately.
By partnering with endocrinologists, JDRF Indiana State Chapter, corporate partners, healthcare professionals and medical supply companies, we provide grants to families who cannot afford medical devices to manage their child’s glucose levels safely and accurately.
What happens to the Underinsured?
If a family simply cannot afford to purchase the adequate supplies due to high insurance deductibles and co-pays, then their child’s blood glucose control may be lax. The child could often be out of range, resulting in some potentially dangerous results.
At best the child will feel ill (think how you feel right before you come down with the flu). More serious complications, ketoacidosis, lead to seizures and possibly comas. These events most likely require ambulance rides and hospital stays, which cost insurance companies more money than insulin and test strips.
Other complications to poor glucose management that can occur include:
- retina problems
- neuropathy
- loss of limbs
- liver damage
- kidney malfunction
Our mission will help underinsured families stay proactive to avoid these horrific, and possibly fatal, complications in order for their child to stay healthy enough to accept a cure once it is found, as well as to increase awareness about the reality of type 1 diabetes.
One of our many goals is to educate the youth, the community, insurance companies and school professionals about the severity of type 1 diabetes if managed poorly.
