Doing nothing is not an option!
85,000 people in The Netherlands have Type 1 diabetes. Of these 70 people, including Sytske, have an internal insulin pump. 350 people need one as soon as possible and another 650 people qualify for one. Unfortunately in 2019 the manufacturer will stop producing this pump thus leaving thousands of people around the world stranded. As a result a team of medical specialists, under the guidance of professor Bilo, are developing a new, implantable insulin pump under the name of DiaLin. Understandably many people are pinning their hopes on this important innovation.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops making insulin because the cells that should do that are either destroyed by the immune system or shut down. You cannot live without insulin as this regulates your blood sugar levels. High levels can cause long-term complications such as visual impairment, blindness and the heart and kidneys may shut down. If you have Type 1 diabetes you need to measure your blood sugar levels every day, inject insulin or wear a pump. It is impossible to have a bite to eat or something to drink without first calculating how much insulin is required. This takes place every day, 365 days a year.
About the Sytske Foundation
The DiaLin insulin pump will have a huge impact on the quality of life of people who are having to use an internal insulin pump. The first patient to be fitted with a pump is expected at the end of 2019. Financing the development is almost complete but 500,000 Euros are still required. The Sytske Foundation has committed itself to gathering the additional funds so that the innovative DiaLin pump can be implanted as soon as possible into Type 1 diabetes patients. Speed is of the essence. For Sytske and her fellow sufferers there is no time to lose!