Ilia's struggle with diabetes

To avoid 25 finger punctures a day and minimize health risks, Ilya uses sensors and pods. Their cost is too high for the family for six months. It was extremely difficult for the family to cope with such a financial burden, and now they also pay rent: they had to move to Uzhhorod because of the fighting. Ilya really needs our help!

Illia and Danil grew up as active, inquisitive boys to the delight of their mother, grandfather and grandmother. But at one year and nine months, Illia became lethargic, often asked to drink. Yulia took her son to the doctor. With the result of a glucose level of 22 mmol/l (with a norm of up to 5), the boy was admitted to intensive care.

While still in the hospital, Yulia learned about sensors that replace finger pricks and started buying them. These devices automatically measure the level of glucose in the blood and display the data in a special application on a smartphone. Unfortunately, one sensor lasts only 14 days, and its cost is quite high. But the real price of constant use of sensors and automated insulin delivery is decades of life that can be gained by reducing health risks.

Illia studies in the 3rd grade. He adores computer science and physical education, practices karate, and carves wood together with his brother at classes at "My Workshop". And Illia has many friends – he is a very sociable boy!

Illia's biggest dream is to get rid of his disease. Yulia strives to convey to her son that it is possible to live fully with diabetes. The main thing is to control the level of glucose, count bread units, receive insulin in the right dose and be physically active.

In order not to make 7 insulin injections per day, Yulia saved up UAH 55,000 and bought a pump for her son. And recently she learned about pods. The pod is smaller than the pump, you can swim with it, play sports, you can also use the "Closed Loop" program, when the insulin supply is regulated automatically, in accordance with the sensor readings. 10 pods are spent per month.

The family has a difficult financial situation. Grandmother and grandfather are pensioners. Yulia works as a liaison officer in a state institution. Yuliia is asking good people to help provide Illia with Omnipod Dash pods and Freestyle libre 1 sensors for 6 months. Friends, let's support the family financially!