Patient group calls for recognizing type 1 diabetes as a disability

The Korean Diabetes Union (KDU) said Thursday that it participated in adopting the “Recommendation to Secure Social Protection Network by Recognizing Type 1 Diabetes as a Disability” introduced by Yoon Hee-shin, a provincial assemblyman, in the 357th extraordinary session of the South Chungcheong Provincial Assembly on Tuesday.

The union met with Yoon to discuss regional issues and attended the extraordinary session. The union’s representatives from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Sejong, and South Chungcheong chapters participated in the adoption process.

The recommendation will be sent to political parties, the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Assemblyman Yoon has been working to build a safety net for students with diabetes in his electorate. He has enacted two ordinances for people with type 1 diabetes and secured an emergency supplementary budget of 1.3 billion won ($898,162) in response to a family case of type 1 diabetes in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, in January last year.

“Type 1 diabetes is a serious, life-threatening disease that requires lifelong blood sugar management and monitoring,” Yoon said. “If not properly managed, it can lead to a serious situation where patients need to undergo hemodialysis.”

Yoon said the cost of treatment for complications, devices such as insulin pumps, and medical care greatly limit daily life and economic activities. Despite meeting the World Health Organization's criteria for disability, the current focus is only on reducing medical costs.

“It is necessary to establish a system that recognizes type 1 diabetes as a disability and supports various aspects of daily life, schooling, and career choice,” Yoon said. “The government and the National Assembly should establish a legal basis for operating diabetes support centers in each region and provide budget support.”

Kim Kwang-hoon, the KDU head, said, “South Chungcheong Province has been leading the way in supporting diabetes patients since the business agreement with Governor Yang Seung-jo in 2018. We look forward to building social infrastructure by recognizing type 1 diabetes as a disability and establishing the South Chungcheong Diabetes Center.”

The KDU plans to hold a discussion on March 19 to establish the provincial diabetes center.