Gandhinagar: About 17,000 children in the state suffer from Type-1 diabetes (T1D) and require regular insulin administration. In light of this data, the state govt on Wednesday launched a special drive to detect and treat the condition among children.T1D is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin, causing high blood sugar (glucose). This condition requires lifelong insulin therapy and frequent monitoring. It often appears in youth but can affect adults, and symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and weight loss.Speaking at the event, chief minister Bhupendra Patel said that the statewide programme will ensure that insulin is made available at all health institutions, including remote primary and community health centres. “The govt is committed to controlling T1D in children through accurate diagnosis and timely treatment,” the CM said.Under the special drive, children diagnosed with T1D will be provided free treatment kits that include injections, glucometers, and other necessary treatment materials.He said the state govt conducts comprehensive health tests for 1.89 crore children every year under the school health programme. He added that if any child requires further treatment, the govt refers them to govt hospitals for free super-specialty treatments like kidney, heart disease, cancer, and liver transplants. Over the past 11 years, more than 2.18 lakh children received such treatments, he added.A number of children diagnosed with T1D were provided with free treatment kits.