The first education awareness class as part of the DREAMS project was conducted at Jothydev's Diabetes Research Centre (JDC) Trivandrum, Kerala, India. 11 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and their parents participated. This close-knit program included workshops, activities, education sessions for children and parents, demo sessions, classes on diet and exercise, and other interactive programs. Ms.Gopika Krishnan (Director of Academics and Research), Ms.Geethu Sanal (Chief Dietitian, JDC), Ms.Anjana Basanth (Diabetes Educator), Ms.Gopika Beena Chandran (Diabetes Educator), and Vysakh Chandran (Diabetes Educator) interacted with the children. Gifts were provided for all the participants. The program was concluded by a short review session with the parents.

View Gallery

The DREAMS Practical Session 2, an integral part of the DREAMS project, was successfully conducted at the Chalayam Auditorium, Karunagappally, Kollam Dist. Kerala, India, on 28 October 2023. The initiative, which operates under the aegis of the Kesavadev Trust, was inaugurated by Shri.C R Mahesh, MLA.

21 Children with type 1 diabetes and their parents were engaged in a diverse range of interactive programs, including workshops, hands-on activities, and informative educational sessions. The demonstration sessions, coupled with comprehensive classes on diet and exercise, were particularly well-received. The DREAMS Squad included Gopika Krishnan (Director of Academics and Research), Geethu Sanal (Chief Dietitian, JDC), Dr.Shahana Yasmin (RSSDI Fellow, JDC), Anjana Basanth (Diabetes Educator), Gopika Beena Chandran (Diabetes Educator), and Vysakh Chandran (Diabetes Educator). Officials of Type 1 Diabetes Foundation, Mr. Shihab and Mr. Navas coordinated and spoke at the event.

View Gallery

DREAMS Practical Session 3, a key component of the DREAMS project, was successfully held at Government L P School, Mudiyoorkkara, Kottayam, Kerala, India, on November 18, 2023. The initiative, overseen by the Kesavadev Trust, was inaugurated by Shri. P U Thomas, a member of the Kottayam Navajeevan Trust. The event featured special guests including Shri. Sabu Mathew (Municipal Counselor), Shri. Dayal Sivaswami (Mathrubhumi News Reporter, Kottayam), and Smt. Sindhu Shibu from Government L P School, Mudiyoorkkara.

The program was attended by 32 children with type 1 diabetes and their parents. Participants engaged in a variety of interactive activities, including workshops, hands-on activities, and educational sessions. Activities like carb-counting, Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose, Injection techniques, and Games were very well received by the students. The DREAMS Squad for this session included Gopika Krishnan (Director of Academics and Research), Geethu Sanal (Chief Dietitian, JDC), Dr.Junaid Naina (RSSDI Fellow, JDC), Anjana Basanth (Diabetes Educator), Gopika Beena Chandran (Diabetes Educator), Vysakh Chandran (Diabetes Educator), and Ms.Fahma Mansoor (Diabetes Educator).

View Gallery

DREAMS Practicals Session 4, a key component of the DREAMS project, was successfully held at Thathampally, Alappuzha, Kerala, India, on December 23, 2023. The program overseen by the Kesavadev Trust was attended by 13 children with type 1 diabetes and their parents. Comprehensive classes on diet, Q&A sessions with the doctor, Injection techniques, and sites were particularly well received by the participants and parents. The DREAMS squad for this session included Geethu Sanal (Chief Dietitian, JDC), Dr.Junaid Naina (RSSDI Fellow, JDC), Anjana Basanth (Diabetes Educator), Vysakh Chandran (Diabetes Educator), and Ms.Fahma Mansoor (Dietitian).

View Gallery

Session 5 of the DREAMS Practicals took place on April 29, 2024, at the Cardinal Parecattil Memorial Renewal Centre in Kochi, engaging 17 Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) individuals along with their parents and teachers. The session started with personal introductions, followed by interactive educational activities such as the glucose prediction game and hands-on workshops on carbohydrate counting and insulin dosage calculation. Practical demonstrations on using glucose meters and insulin injection techniques, and storage were also conducted. The day featured engaging learning games like the Balloon Game of Myths and Facts and the Balancing Balloon Game, which helped debunk myths about T1D and demonstrated the multitasking involved in managing the condition. The program concluded with a session on sick day management and an open Q&A, allowing for direct interaction and clarification of doubts. All participants received tokens of appreciation, and winners of games received practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips, emphasizing the session's focus on empowering attendees with both knowledge and tools for better diabetes management.

View Gallery

Session 6 of the DREAMS Practicals took place on August 24, 2024, at the St. George Syrian Catholic Church Hall in Pathanamthitta, engaging 21 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), along with their parents and teachers. The session began with personal introductions of each participant, followed by interactive educational activities including Diabetes Bingo and hands-on workshops on carbohydrate counting and insulin dosage calculation. Practical demonstrations on using glucose meters, insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices were also conducted.

The day featured engaging learning games like the Balloon Game of Myths and Facts, which helped debunk common misconceptions about T1D. The program concluded with a session on sick day management and an open Q&A, allowing participants to directly interact and clarify any doubts.

All participants received tokens of appreciation, while winners of the games were awarded practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips. This session emphasized not only education but also empowerment, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools for better diabetes management.

View Gallery

Session 7 of the DREAMS Practicals took place on October 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Girls High School in Payyanur, Kerala. This program combined participants from two districts of Kerala, Kannur and Kasaragod, and engaged 39 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) along with their parents, caretakers, and teachers. The session began with a prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions of each participant, setting a welcoming and interactive atmosphere.

Educational activities covered essential topics such as setting health targets, carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages accordingly. Practical demonstrations were given on using glucose meters, correct insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices to reinforce hands-on skills.

The day also featured engaging games like the Balloon Game of Myths and Facts, which helped debunk common misconceptions about T1D, and the Balloon Balancing Game, which highlighted how effectively the children manage school, social life, and diabetes together. The program concluded with sessions on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A, where participants could clarify doubts.

All participants received tokens of appreciation, and game winners were awarded practical gifts like lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips. This session emphasized not only education but also empowerment, equipping attendees with knowledge and tools for better diabetes management.

View Gallery

Session 7 of the DREAMS Practicals took place on October 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Girls High School in Payyanur, Kerala. This program combined participants from two districts of Kerala, Kannur and Kasaragod, and engaged 39 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) along with their parents, caretakers, and teachers. The session began with a prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions of each participant, setting a welcoming and interactive atmosphere.

Educational activities covered essential topics such as setting health targets, carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages accordingly. Practical demonstrations were given on using glucose meters, correct insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices to reinforce hands-on skills.

The day also featured engaging games like the Balloon Game of Myths and Facts, which helped debunk common misconceptions about T1D, and the Balloon Balancing Game, which highlighted how effectively the children manage school, social life, and diabetes together. The program concluded with sessions on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A, where participants could clarify doubts.

All participants received tokens of appreciation, and game winners were awarded practical gifts like lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips. This session emphasized not only education but also empowerment, equipping attendees with knowledge and tools for better diabetes management.

View Gallery

The 8th session of DREAMS Practicals was held on November 23, 2024, at the Lions Service Centre, Malaparamba, Kerala. This inspiring program brought together participants from Calicut and Malappuram districts, including 37 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents or caretakers.

The session commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. This warm and interactive start created a sense of belonging and community.

The educational components of the session focused on key aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Practical demonstrations reinforced these lessons, covering glucose meter usage, correct insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices.

To ensure the day was lively and engaging, various fun-filled activities were organized. Children enjoyed games like Passing the Ball and skipping rope, which added a playful element to the day. A Zumba session further energized the participants. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children were arranged in a circle, each holding a blue balloon—a symbol of the global diabetes community and unity.

The session concluded with an insightful discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to address their concerns and clarify doubts.

Tokens of appreciation were distributed to all participants, and game winners received practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, strips and utility gifts.

This session underscored the holistic mission of DREAMS Practicals—combining education, empowerment, and enjoyment to equip T1D families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need for confident and effective diabetes management.

View Gallery

The 8th session of DREAMS Practicals was held on November 23, 2024, at the Lions Service Centre, Malaparamba, Kerala. This inspiring program brought together participants from Calicut and Malappuram districts, including 37 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents or caretakers.

The session commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. This warm and interactive start created a sense of belonging and community.

The educational components of the session focused on key aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Practical demonstrations reinforced these lessons, covering glucose meter usage, correct insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices.

To ensure the day was lively and engaging, various fun-filled activities were organized. Children enjoyed games like Passing the Ball and skipping rope, which added a playful element to the day. A Zumba session further energized the participants. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children were arranged in a circle, each holding a blue balloon—a symbol of the global diabetes community and unity.

The session concluded with an insightful discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to address their concerns and clarify doubts.

Tokens of appreciation were distributed to all participants, and game winners received practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, strips and utility gifts.

This session underscored the holistic mission of DREAMS Practicals—combining education, empowerment, and enjoyment to equip T1D families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need for confident and effective diabetes management.

View Gallery

The 9th session of DREAMS Practicals took place on November 24, 2024, at the Engineers Club - Technical Library Building, Trissur, Kerala. The event had participants from both Trissur and Palakkad districts, including 31 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents/caretakers.

The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. The educational segments covered vital aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Hands-on demonstrations were conducted to teach correct glucose meter usage, insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices, enhancing participants' practical skills.

Interactive and fun-filled activities kept the energy high throughout the day. Parents engaged in a Balancing Game, symbolizing the skillful juggling of their social, work, and family responsibilities alongside managing their child’s health. Meanwhile, children participated in a lively Disc-Throwing Game.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children tied blue ribbons to their wrists and made a circle together, as a symbolic gesture representing the global diabetes community and the unity of those managing T1D.

The session concluded with a discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A. As a token of appreciation, practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips were distributed to all participants, and game winners were rewarded with utility gifts.

The session concluded with a walkathon for T1D children and their parents, symbolizing resilience and raising awareness for World Diabetes Month. This event highlighted the holistic approach of DREAMS Practicals, combining education, empowerment, and unity to equip T1D families with the tools and confidence for effective diabetes management.

This session underscored the holistic mission of DREAMS Practicals—combining education, empowerment, and enjoyment to equip T1D families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need for confident and effective diabetes management.

View Gallery

The 9th session of DREAMS Practicals took place on November 24, 2024, at the Engineers Club - Technical Library Building, Trissur, Kerala. The event had participants from both Trissur and Palakkad districts, including 31 individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents/caretakers.

The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer song by the children, followed by personal introductions from each participant. The educational segments covered vital aspects of diabetes management, such as setting appropriate glucose level targets, mastering carb counting, and adjusting insulin dosages effectively. Hands-on demonstrations were conducted to teach correct glucose meter usage, insulin injection techniques, and proper storage practices, enhancing participants' practical skills.

Interactive and fun-filled activities kept the energy high throughout the day. Parents engaged in a Balancing Game, symbolizing the skillful juggling of their social, work, and family responsibilities alongside managing their child’s health. Meanwhile, children participated in a lively Disc-Throwing Game.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, children tied blue ribbons to their wrists and made a circle together, as a symbolic gesture representing the global diabetes community and the unity of those managing T1D.

The session concluded with a discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A. As a token of appreciation, practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips were distributed to all participants, and game winners were rewarded with utility gifts.

The session concluded with a walkathon for T1D children and their parents, symbolizing resilience and raising awareness for World Diabetes Month. This event highlighted the holistic approach of DREAMS Practicals, combining education, empowerment, and unity to equip T1D families with the tools and confidence for effective diabetes management.

This session underscored the holistic mission of DREAMS Practicals—combining education, empowerment, and enjoyment to equip T1D families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need for confident and effective diabetes management.

View Gallery

The 10th session of DREAMS Practicals was held on November 30, 2024, at Don Bosco Central School, Kattapana, Idukki, Kerala, with 52 Type 1 participants from Idukki district, along with their parents/caretakers.

The event began with a prayer song by the children, followed by introductions from each participant. The educational sessions focused on key aspects of diabetes management, including setting glucose level targets, carb counting, and insulin adjustments. Practical demonstrations on glucose meter usage, insulin injection techniques, and storage practices enhanced hands-on skills.

To keep the atmosphere engaging, parents participated in a Balancing Game, representing the challenge of managing work, social, and family life while caring for their child's health. Children enjoyed a fun Disc-Throwing Game, adding energy to the day. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, the children stood together in a circle holding blue balloons, symbolizing global unity in managing T1D.

The session concluded with a discussion on managing glucose levels during sick days and exercise, followed by an open Q&A to address any concerns. Tokens of appreciation, including practical gifts such as lancets, needles, glucose meters, and strips, were given to all participants, with game winners receiving additional utility gifts.

This session highlighted educating, empowering, and uniting families to manage diabetes effectively.

View Gallery