The rise in incidence of juvenile diabetes (Type 1) and the difficulty of coping with it, has prompted Ezer Mizion to launch project addressing the issue, in partnership with the Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association.

An event promoting awareness and understanding of juvenile diabetes was held at Ezer Mizion’s national headquarters in Bnei Brak. Leading experts in the field and representatives of the Israel Association of Juvenile Diabetes addressed the event.  The conference was geared for educators, professionals, parents and the general public.  According to Chananya Chollak, International Chairman of Ezer Mizion, the aim of the project is to improve quality of life for diabetes patients and help them cope.

Professionals who lectured at the event reviewed the innovations in the field and provided the participants with updated medical information. Included among experts in the field who addressed the event were:

• Prof. Moshe Philip, Head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Institute at the Schneider Children’s Medical Center, who explained the basics of diabetes, the importance of obtaining medical care, maintaining sugar balance and avoiding complications 
• Prof. Moshe Karp, medical advisor for the Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association, who reviewed innovations in the field and the forecast toward finding a cure, 
• Yaron Parness, representing the administration of the Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association, that contributed a great deal toward the promotion of the evening, 
• Clinical nutritionist Zachi Cana’an, who presented the secrets of eating properly.

Literature was distributed regarding the rights of diabetes patients, as well as feedback forms for mapping the needs of the patients and their families. Future services were announced, among them: the establishment of support groups for parents, tutoring for young patients, support systems for new patients, training “Diabetes Trustees” in educational institutions. New publications were also circulated which noted the needs and sensitivities of the religious and orthodox public.

Ezer Mizion hopes, through its activity in the field, to break down the barrier of inhibition and social stigma, to help patients obtain public support and to provide medical, social and emotional assistance.

For further details, contact Ezer Mizion’s Juvenile Diabetes Service at 03-614-4572.