Financial Burden

A Uttar Pradesh government hospital study found an average annual cost of Rs27,915 per child, mostly paid out of pocket. Indian evidence cited in the article found an average annual diabetes care cost of Rs55,185 for families in North India. Families faced severe financial strain from insulin, glucose testing strips, medical supplies, and check-ups. Some families prioritised insulin over groceries, borrowed money, or relied on others. Continuous glucose monitors and flash glucose monitoring were largely inaccessible because of cost and lack of subsidies. More than 30% of families spent over half their income on type 1 diabetes expenses.