Type 1 Diabetes, Finally Recognized as a 'Disability'… A 'Promise of Hope' to Wipe Away Tears
"It's not just a matter of blood sugar management; it's a lifelong struggle for survival."
A path of hope has finally opened for patients with **Type 1 diabetes**, who have long been in a blind spot of welfare. The government has initiated legal amendment procedures to officially recognize Type 1 diabetes, a severe and intractable disease, as a **'pancreatic disorder'**, the 16th type of disability. We have concisely summarized the content and significance of this measure, which is expected to be implemented as early as **May next year**, and how much it can alleviate the suffering of Type 1 diabetes patients and their families.
Establishment of 'Pancreatic Disorder'… What Changes?
The core of this revision to the 'Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities' is to define the state of generating almost no insulin as a **'pancreatic disorder'** and to recognize it as a new type of disability.
- Eligible Recipients:
- Patients with severe, intractable Type 1 diabetes (including children and adolescents)
- Pancreas transplant recipients
- Estimated Implementation Timeline:
- ~Late August 2025: Finalization of the amendment
- ~September 2025: Legislative preview
- ~October 2025: Promulgation of the law
- ~May 2026: **Official implementation** (Requires a 6-month preparation period for system establishment, etc.)
"So, What Benefits Will I Receive?"
Being recognized as a 'disability' means entering the national welfare system. Type 1 diabetes patients can look forward to various supports such as the following:
- Medical Expense Support: Significantly reduced treatment costs through disability medical expense support programs.
- Family/Child Support: Expanded practical support for families with sick children, including disability child allowances and support for families raising children with disabilities.
- Improved Educational Environment: Establishment of medical service support and management systems for children with Type 1 diabetes within educational institutions like schools.
- Other Benefits: Application of existing disability welfare services such as public utility fee reductions and tax benefits.
Most importantly, it signifies a shift in perception from 'a disease an individual must manage on their own' to **'a disability the state must take shared responsibility for'**.
Decades of Waiting, the Fruit of a Tearful Struggle
This decision was not made overnight. Patients and their families have waged a tearful, decades-long struggle to raise awareness that Type 1 diabetes is not merely a chronic illness but a severe condition incompatible with survival without lifelong insulin injections.
"Early support provides Type 1 diabetes patients with a chance at life, and brings positive effects to the nation such as reduced medical expenses and maintained productivity. It requires the state's resolve and action so that patients no longer suffer amidst indifference and neglect."
- Kim Mi-young, Representative of the Korean Association for Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Major developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada already recognize Type 1 diabetes as a disability. Although it is somewhat late, this decision is highly significant as it marks the beginning of our society's response to their suffering.
From the 'Blind Spot' to the 'System'
Of course, there are still many hurdles to overcome. It is crucial to establish specific criteria for disability grading and to firmly build the institutional foundation to ensure that benefits reach patients in need without any blind spots. We sincerely hope that this amendment will not merely be a legal recognition, but will genuinely contribute to improving the quality of life for Type 1 diabetes patients.
As this is a precious 'promise of hope' gained after a long struggle, continued interest and solidarity will be needed. We hope that our society will collectively share their pain and become a warm community where everyone can live together.
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