Diabetes patients with impaired insulin function to be eligible for disability registration from July

South Korea will begin recognizing 'pancreatic disorder' as a disability starting July 1, allowing individuals with diabetes whose insulin secretion function is impaired to register as disabled. This is the first new disability category added in 23 years, following the inclusion of five types in 2003.

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare will establish 'pancreatic disorder' as a new type of disability that can be registered starting July 1, in accordance with the revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

The newly recognized pancreatic disorder specifically applies to cases where diabetes has damaged the pancreas's ability to secrete insulin. This primarily affects Type 1 diabetes patients, who often require lifelong insulin therapy. Without it, they face severe hyperglycemia and potentially life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

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This is the first time since 2003, when five types including epilepsy were added, that a new disability type is being recognized, 23 years later.

To qualify, patients must undergo at least six months of intensive insulin treatment and demonstrate significantly reduced insulin secretion through blood tests. Registered individuals will gain access to various benefits, including discounts on public facilities, utilities, and taxes. Depending on income and other criteria, they may also receive support services like personal assistance and medical aid.

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The pancreatic disorder newly recognized this time targets cases where the pancreatic insulin secretion function is impaired due to diabetes. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, who mostly consist of pediatric diabetes patients, are expected to be primarily included.

For those preparing for college entrance exams or employment, a priority review system will be available until the end of the year. Applicants submitting necessary documents to their local community center can expect their disability assessment to be completed within 15 days by the National Pension Service, the dedicated assessment agency.

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Those applying for pancreatic disorder registration must have received intensive insulin treatment for more than six months and their insulin secretion must be confirmed to be below a certain standard through blood tests.