Empowering children with diabetes

From health.gov.au

A new resource for schools to help their students with diabetes was launched today by Minister for Health Sussan Ley.

Mastering Diabetes provides user-friendly information to teachers and parents about type 1 diabetes so that affected children can be better supported at school, helping to maximise their education and learning.

“The resource kit provides information about diabetes and how to manage it in a school setting, with an aim of developing a trust and understanding between families and staff to support and care for affected children,” Ms Ley said.

“It teaches the community how to talk about diabetes, tackles myths, and aims to reduce the impact of the condition on a child’s educational opportunities.

“It is vitally important that everyone is properly informed about diabetes, and that teachers and other carers can help children be better understood, navigate and succeed at school by giving them a voice in managing their condition.”

“Part of the National Diabetes Strategy launched by the Government in November 2015, Mastering Diabetes is an innovative targeted resource to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, while increasing community understanding of diabetes to improve overall health and wellbeing”, Ms Ley said.

The pack has been developed after feedback from parents for more support for children with type 1 diabetes in the educational setting and an identified gap in information for teachers and other school staff.

Developed by Diabetes Australia and funded through the Government’s National Diabetes Services Scheme, the information kit will be sent throughout Term 2 to all Australian families who have a child with Type 1 diabetes, to share with their school, teachers or carers.

https://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2016-ley032.htm