By Hatem Y. Ezz EldinTens of thousands of new cases of diabetes among children are discovered around the world each year. The number is also rapidly growing in the region. Diabetes can be controlled but there is no cure for it. Family support, care and treatment can help control the disease to enable a child to lead an active, healthy and fun-filled life. Efforts to educate people about the disease and how to control it are weak in Saudi Arabia. True, the health ministry is trying to raise public awareness about the disease, but more efforts should be made on a wider scale. All segments of society, especially the media, have to take part in helping insulin-dependent children live normal and active lives. There should be enough medical supplies for diabetic children, along with things that they need to remain healthy and to be able to engage in activities that will uplift their lives. Low-sugar or sugar-free food such as dairy products should always be available in the market in attractive packages. Low-sugar or sugar-free candies should be available at affordable prices. Schools should have good medical care programs to help students maintain their blood-sugar level because at their age they cannot manage their health by themselves. Each school should have a physician to monitor the health of students and detect any symptom of diabetes among schoolchildren. Teachers and other school staff should also be educated about diabetes. The role of the school is very important in preparing diabetic children to face the challenges to their health. My five-year-old son is diabetic and for the past few years I have been gauging the reactions of different segments of society to the disease. I found that the Association of Diabetic Patient Friends in Jeddah holds occasional forums to help raise public awareness with the participation of some hospitals. However, more efforts should be made to raise public awareness about diabetes. I remember the comment of a kindergarten supervisor when I first enrolled my son in school. She said: "We can't handle this responsibility. The child has to go to a 'special needs' educational facility because he is not normal." Can educational personnel with such mentality help our children build their future? (Hatem Y. Ezz Eldin is a political researcher based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]) __
