Paediatric endocrinologist – CHU Sylanus Olympio

As a paediatrician caring for children living with diabetes in Togo, I was very impressed when I discovered the Kids and Diabetes in School (KiDS) programme.

Today, many people in my community are still surprised to learn that children can be diagnosed with diabetes, and especially that children with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day.

School is where children learn quickly and retain what they learn throughout their lives. If children learn about type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and the difference at school, it will help promote better care for children with type 1 diabetes whose parents have difficulty accepting their lifelong insulin treatment. We need more awareness-raising about diabetes in children, and the KiDS programme promotes a safe and supportive school environment for children with diabetes.

After a type 1 diabetes diagnosis and starting treatment, returning to school creates an additional stress factor for parents and children. Parents face the challenge of informing the school administration about their child’s condition and how to manage it during school hours. KiDS provides the necessary guidance for teachers unprepared to have a child with diabetes in their class. Likewise, children with diabetes would prosper more without the misconceptions and stigma they face in school. Teachers and classmates would understand their condition and help them achieve a better school-life balance.

KiDS should be implemented in all schools for early diabetes education and to promote healthy lifestyles towards a diabetes-free future.