IDF Blue Circle Voice, living with type 1 diabetes

The diagnosis of a life-long condition such as diabetes has a major impact on the emotional health of people affected. Daily activities are interrupted by a series of precautions that, although we can learn to turn them into routines and habits, can be overwhelming at first.

Living with diabetes of any type requires children to take responsibility for their own care at a young age. In school, it requires a number of activities – such as finger-pricking or injecting insulin – that often surprise or even frighten other children.

Diabetes education is key to self-care, quality of life and emotional health. Children spend a large part of their day at school where their participation, safety and inclusion must be ensured. Children with diabetes quickly learn to become independent in managing their condition. This becomes much easier in an environment that supports and understands diabetes. Teachers should help other students understand the condition so that the child affected feels included and accepted.

The KiDS programme provides education to raise awareness and help identify the signs and symptoms of diabetes and therefore can be instrumental in facilitating this understanding. KiDS should be part of the school curriculum to help remove barriers to learning and the social inclusion of students with diabetes, ensuring their safety in the school environment.