Imagine being a child who has to do 4-6 injections every day just to stay alive. Before you can even enjoy a snack or go out to play, you need to check your blood sugar. It’s a daily routine filled with challenges.

Now, think about the child's parents, who supervise this strict regimen day in and day out, all while worrying about their child's future. This is the life of a child living with Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes is not just a personal challenge; it impacts the whole family.

So, what is diabetes? It’s a serious chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose. Glucose is our main source of energy, coming from the food we eat.

It is estimated 10% of Hong Kong's population—that’s about 700,000 people—have diabetes. And the number of new cases is on the rise.

Diabetes can affect anyone, from infants to the elderly. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like heart disease, retinopathy, blindness, amputations, and nerve damage.

There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body produces no insulin. This previously was usually diagnosed in childhood, but the exact cause remains unknown. Adults are now increasingly being diagnosed with Type 1. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin to be injected.

Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic condition, which develops when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work effectively. This type is usually diagnosed later in life and is often linked to lifestyle choices, inactivity, and family history. However, increasing numbers of children are now being diagnosed with Type 2. Insulin can be taken via tablets and sometimes injections.

The early signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, and an acidic odour on the breath.

For kids with Type 1 diabetes, daily life involves multiple finger-prick blood tests and insulin injections, alongside carefully planned meals and regular exercise.

For parents, it’s a relentless worry—managing their child’s diabetes while grappling with concerns about their future. The emotional and financial burdens can be overwhelming. Many families have to change their lifestyles, even give up their jobs to look after their child full time

Unfortunately, in Hong Kong, only the cost of insulin is subsidised by the government; all other diabetes-related supplies, like testing strips and needles, are not covered. This can cost families over $12,000 a year—an immense financial strain, especially for low-income households.

Youth Diabetes Action, or YDA, was founded over 20 years ago, our mission is that no child should be held back by diabetes. We provide essential support to children and their families through several programmes:
1. Mentorship connects experienced families with newly diagnosed ones, sharing knowledge and experiences

2. Through community outreach, we work with hospitals and schools to ensure children with diabetes don’t feel isolated or discriminated against 3. Our Sponsor a Child programme offers financial support to low-income families to help cover medical expenses and diabetes supplies We believe every child deserves access to the best possible care and treatment, allowing them to lead full, healthy lives. With advancements in technology, there are amazing tools available now to help manage diabetes. One such device is the Continuous Glucose Monitor, or CGM. This continuously tracks glucose levels just beneath the skin, providing real-time readings and alerts for high or low blood sugar levels. It can significantly reduce the burden of traditional finger-prick testing. We would like for every child in Hong Kong to be able to wear CGM at all times. The 14^th of  November is World Diabetes Day. Throughout this month, YDA will be running our Blue November activities to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for better access to life-changing diabetes technology. We have several exciting activities you can join: First, Participate in the Million Step Challenge, where we invite supporters to walk a million steps collectively in November. We’re also organising a YDA Hike to help everyone reach their goals Second, Show your support on social media! Dress in blue, snap a photo, and share it on your Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @youthdiabetesaction and use the hashtag #BlueNovember Finally, we’re asking everyone to sign our petition, urging the government to fund CGMs for all young people aged 30 or below with any type of diabetes in Hong Kong For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website at yda.org.hk. Join us and let’s work together to make a difference in the lives of children with diabetes in Hong Kong!

This morning, I would like to dedicate a song “Heroes (We Can Be)” by Alesso to all of you, especially those of you who live with diabetes.