Sardinia approves Italy's first regional law for minors with type 1 diabetes

The Sardinia Regional Council has unanimously approved a law establishing a regional network to support minors living with type 1 diabetes. This initiative is the first of its kind in Italy, aiming to integrate healthcare, schools, and sports associations to ensure children can participate safely in social and educational activities.

The legislation allocates over 1.2 million euros for 2026, with additional annual funding starting in 2027 to maintain an information platform. Key components of the law include the creation of a regional pediatric diabetes registry linked to electronic health records, a specialized regional pediatric diabetes center, and a permanent monitoring system.

To reduce the burden on families, the law mandates specific training for teachers, school staff, and sports instructors. This training focuses on managing emergencies such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, ensuring therapeutic continuity, and addressing the psychological and educational aspects of the disease. The system is expected to serve approximately 15,000 to 16,000 pediatric patients.