Park Minsu, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, "We will improve the system for Type 1 diabetes treatment"

Park Min-su, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, promised, "We will promptly improve institutional aspects to reduce the burden on type 1 diabetes patients and help them enjoy a humane life."

On the 19th, Vice Minister Park held a meeting with diabetes patient groups, medical staff, and related organizations at the International Electronics Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, listening to their on-site opinions and made these remarks.

The meeting was held amid growing interest and demands for support for type 1 diabetes following a recent incident in Taean, Chungnam, where a family, including a couple and their daughter who suffered from type 1 diabetes since childhood, passed away.

At the meeting, patient groups appealed, "Type 1 diabetes develops in childhood, is difficult to cure completely throughout life, and requires daily insulin injections, resulting in a heavy medical cost burden," adding, "Type 1 diabetes should be designated as a severe disease, and diabetes management devices should be additionally supported for those aged 19 and older."

[Photo by Ministry of Health and Welfare]

The groups especially emphasized that since type 1 diabetes mostly develops during growth, "It is important to improve awareness and support regarding the difficulties patients face at school and the special circumstances of having to constantly use electronic devices."

Additionally, opinions were expressed that comprehensive social support is needed, including community linkage so that patients can function well as members of society and the elimination of prejudice in the workplace.

Chae Chang-hoon, director of the Korea Type 1 Diabetes Association, who attended the meeting, said, "I have had type 1 diabetes for 23 years, but through consistent management, I have built a family and have a stable job," adding, "While daily life is possible with good management, many patients cannot use management devices due to economic and social difficulties, so support is absolutely necessary."

Lee Chan-hee, director of the Korea Diabetes Federation, emphasized, "A child with type 1 diabetes suffered for a long time from bullying and stress-induced hearing loss," stressing, "Understanding and awareness of the disease are necessary."