Rayong, Thailand, – Diabetes continues to emerge as a critical public health challenge globally and in Thailand, with alarming increases among children and youth. This includes both Type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin treatment due to pancreatic cell destruction, and Type 2 diabetes linked to obesity and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and insufficient physical activity. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), over 1.52 million children and adolescents under 20 worldwide had diabetes in 2022, with projections reaching 2 million by 2045. Building proper knowledge and instilling healthy behaviours from an early age is therefore essential for creating a healthier future for Thai youth.
Sanofi Thailand, a leading global healthcare innovation company, has continued its commitment through the second year of its "Kids & Diabetes in Schools" (KiDS) Program. Recently, the company conducted a diabetes awareness workshop and activities for students from Grade 5 through junior high school Grade 3 at Wat Tapong Nok School in Rayong Province, where over 80 Sanofi volunteers, medical experts, and partners to the event were warmly welcomed.
Mr. Wanchai Nontakitpisan, Deputy Director of Rayong Provincial Public Health, delivered opening remarks highlighting the Ministry of Public Health's focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes. The Ministry presented carb counting ladles to students and teachers as practical tools for healthy eating. The interactive program featured four engaging learning stations:
- Carb it Bingo – Teaching carbohydrate counting through interactive games and digital tools, notably www.nubcarb.com platform
- Nutrition Label Detectives – Building skills in reading and understanding food nutrition labels
- Bike & Blend – Combining exercise with nutrition through cycling activities to blend fresh fruit juices
- Power up with Milk – Promoting bone health and teaching children to monitor their physical development
Mr. Charles Trolliet, Head of Commercial, Sanofi Thailand, emphasised: "Investing in children's health knowledge is investing in the nation's strong future. The KiDS project aims to equip youth with essential self-care skills, helping them grow while avoiding diabetes and other chronic disease risks. Establishing correct knowledge in childhood creates lifelong healthy behaviours and reduces long-term public health burdens."
Prof. Dr. Taninee Sahakitrungruang, Endocrinologist at Chulalongkorn University and Committee Member of the Diabetes Association of Thailand, highlighted concerning trends: "Over the past 10-20 years, diabetes has increased continuously among Thai youth. Currently, 1 in 6 Thai children are overweight, further elevating diabetes risk. Teaching balanced nutrition, physical activity, and proper rest from childhood will help create a better, diabetes-free future."
Student participants expressed enthusiasm for the program, with one Grade 6 student noting: "I especially enjoyed learning about carb counting. I now understand appropriate daily intake and will share this knowledge with my family and friends."
A class teacher added: "This activity is very beneficial. Children learned about diabetes in an easy-to-understand and fun way, making them unafraid to learn about complex health topics. They gained correct knowledge that can be applied in daily life, which is very important for instilling good health habits in youth."
Mr. Charles concluded by thanking the Ministry of Public Health, Diabetes Association of Thailand, Rayong Provincial Health Office, Wat Tapong Nok School, and importantly, all Sanofi volunteers who together provided knowledge and inspiration to the children in a day full of fun and learning.
The KiDS project promotes holistic health through balanced nutrition, exercise, and sleep while creating awareness about diabetes and related chronic conditions. By expanding to schools and communities across Thailand and globally, the initiative aims to instil preventive attitudes from a young age, fostering sustainable change through knowledge sharing and community participation.
For more information about diabetes self-care and project updates, visit www.t2dminsulin.com/Kids/