A safe childhood for Henrik

For two months now, Henrik has been living without glucose sensors. The boy cannot know when he urgently needs insulin if his blood sugar suddenly changes. For children with diabetes, such “sugar spikes” can lead to a coma. And even when a child does not lose consciousness, every “spike” slowly damages blood vessels, kidneys, and eyesight.

Henrik is nine years old. He lives in Odesa with his parents and his twelve-year-old sister. His father has a disability caused by a workplace injury and cannot work. His mother constantly monitors her son’s condition: Henrik was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three years old.

At the hospital, doctors selected the appropriate insulin therapy and explained that the child must use glucose sensors. His parents bought the first sensor, and the doctor showed them how to install it.

How do they work? Sensors automatically measure blood glucose levels every five minutes, and the data is sent to a smartphone. This means there is no need to prick the skin for every test, allowing the child to live a more independent life.

That is how Henrik lives. He studies in the third grade, has been playing football for five years, takes part in competitions, and wins awards.

If the blood sugar level goes outside the normal range, he needs to eat something or take an insulin injection.

Why is it important to react as quickly as possible? Because glucose attacks the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the kidneys and eyes, literally wearing these organs out. Continuous use of sensors not only makes life easier but can extend it by decades.

Henrik is a cheerful and calm boy. But for the past two months, his mother has noticed sudden mood changes – he becomes irritated and anxious. This usually means his glucose level needs to be checked. At school, it is almost impossible to monitor this without sensors.

Right now, the family simply cannot afford them. They live on social benefits and support from grandparents.

We are launching a fundraiser to provide Henrik with sensors for a year. Let’s give this boy a year of safe childhood.