Who much does a “diabetic”‘s life cost

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Who much does a “diabetic”‘s life cost

As much as I want to avoid the “diabetic” denomination, unfortunately this term is the one with which all society’s citizens, that ail from diabetes, are dealing with. And I am mainly referring to type 1 and type 2. Gestational diabetes is another common type that is included in the diabetes’ “collection”.

My story began just 4 years ago. June 12, 2013. My little daughter was admitted to hospital with ketoacidosis. And that’s where they all started.

A new world. A different reality. A life that was connected with the word “diabetes” forever.

Without anyone to blaim. Without reason, without warning. For all of us – for my family – for ever…

As a parent of a “diabetic” child or otherwise of a child ailing from insulin-dependent diabetes, and as a human who has been very close to the sufferers for the last four years, I would like to publicly state my view for is happening nowadays in our society and for some bad-written texts that I have found on “diabetics” management.

A society that takes care of its weakest members is considered to be the one that truly fulfills its primary primitive purpose.

Unless you land in the country called Greece in 2017.

Eventhough this situation may not exist only in Greece. I prefer to talk only about ours.

Is the legal and financial framework that includes all the benefits/indemnities of those sufferin from this disease?
Is it the callosity of the political leadership that can not listen carefully to the real pulse of this society?
Is it the apathy of the various “specialists” included in committees and opinions on health benefits?
Is it the really-undoubtedly-plausible situation in which this country has been involved in recent years?
Is the ignorance of all those who do not know what diabetes mellitus actually means?
Is the assessment of the health and life of each one in economic terms?

The decline in general population incomes has shrunk by at least 40-50% over the last 7 years.
According to the national statistical authority, the proportion of people living below the poverty line has risen. See the relevant article from the named newspaper “Kathimerini”
Greek Economy, 23.6.2016 ELSTAT: Under the poverty line, 21.4% of the Greeks

The economic data of our time is unprecedented.
What the people of this country have endured in the last decade (and certainly not only) it is also unprecedented.

On the contrary, diabetes and autoimmune diseases are growing.

They are increasing rapidly. Both at global and national level.

Without explanation. Without doctors and scientists being able to restrain this increase.

Correlation? I am not able to answer or even speculate.

In this country, Greece in 2017, the state has not paid up to today (June 2017) insulin consumables (insulin pump and continuous glucose recording systems) from the beginning of this year (at least this is conveyed by the companies that have taken over the supply).
Not a single one special nutrition invoice (eg celiac disease) has been compensated.

Insured people are called to either bear the monthly cost of consumables and food from 100% percentage to unknown…or…the state has not decided yet the possible percentage of charge to be borne by each insured person.

Possible scenarios start from 30%-40% charge on each invoice (and maybe, they will exclude glucose recording systems by 100%).

For an insured person that uses insulin pump, that means a mothly charge of 40% at standard invoices of 300euros cost.

Moving this cost to every insured person is, at least, unprecedented if not exhausting…

There are many who can not lift even the deposit’s burden (because so far it is repaid) to ensure an insulin pump! Let alone the burden of consumables’ cost…And that is true for the insured people as well, unfortunately.

The logic that may suggests such an action (health benefits reduction, patient’s participation increase) from companies and state’s part is considered to be economically advantageous, but – in my opinion – socially and ethically unacceptable.

In a country where social benefits to patients with autoimmune diseases are essentially minimal, if not zero.

Especially for those with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Few diabetic medical centers.
Specific diabetis medical centers for very few children, mainly in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Primary healthcare that lacks in absolutely necessary.
Insulin and sanitary equipment stocks to run out and patients who are fearing and anguishing over what they will be able to ensure, not to live better but to survive!
Healthcare committees on a annual or five-years basis, for the patient (type 1) to prove each time that his is not going to be healthy, as his pancreas can not be cured or be resurrected – unless a miracle is done!

And besides all that, an unprecedented dispute has breaked out in between medical world about who gets dietician’s nomination!

For God’s sake ladies and gentlemen!

When patients’ voice will be heard?

How much does anyone’s life costs?
How much does it really cost to keep a person with diabetes alive?

On what financial basis can someone assess the life of my child suffering from type 1 diebetes?

A person who is not responsible for her own health’s condition?

Who knows how much my child’s and every human’s life costs?
Every child’s in this country?
Every child’s of the earth?

From my little experience, so far, in this “sweet” world, I really don’t see a patient worrying about whether the doctor who will get specialty or experise or education on diabetes, or in any given terminology.

What he cares about is to find someone to guide, advise, accompany him at all times and stages of the disease. To have guides and care at all stages of his life and not chastisers.

To find informed nursing staff and medical knowledge in every healthcare provider and in every hospital.

In every city, in every isolated village or island of this country.

Not to need “running” in the big centers of this country to find the few experts, most of whom, thoughtlessly and tirelessly lift the whole burden or this care until today.

When will this country be able to rise to the occassion by the side of those who really need it?

When will procedures and actions be established for the benefit of the weakest. Those who can not stand it anymore.

Those who their blood sugar levels are directly affected by the slightest – even temperature change – along with all devastating consequences?

It is not easy for me to describe the life of a child with type 1 diabetes, or the life of an adult that has to pull through an exhausting routine and at the same time to suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes.

I urge you to cuddle patients and their problems. With love and understanding.

Time and resources that are wasted are crucial for their condition.

I invite you to live one week in a patient’s home.

I invite you to live one week in my home and to stay up late with a insulin-dependent child.

I invite you to listen and try to hear our problems.

All together, ladies and gentlemen.

All together, patients and doctors who care about humans.

All together, entities and organizations involved.

To try to give solutions and answers.

How much does a “diabetic”‘s life cost?

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!

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