Psychopedagogue, diabetes educator and guidance counselor

I have been directly involved with type 1 diabetes since my daughter’s diagnosis nine years ago. She has never had any issues resulting from her condition in the school environment, both public and private.

However, I am aware that some children with diabetes in my community have been prohibited to bring their blood glucose monitoring equipment to school because school staff were concerned about the needles on the lancets.

As a diabetes educator, I realised that general awareness of type 1 diabetes was limited and that the condition was often confused with type 2 diabetes. I therefore decided to act and started organising conversation circles on type 1 diabetes for teachers and school staff. The KiDS programme resources were an important part of these initiatives.

I then set up an Instagram channel – “Doce infância tipo 1” (Sweet type 1 childhood) – which offers support to students living with diabetes. Nobody should have to choose between taking care of their diabetes or going to school. Information saves lives!