Diabetes UK Cymru launches CD-Rom guide for schools

Leading health charity Diabetes UK Cymru is launching an innovative CD-Rom guide for schools explaining diabetes and how schools can help pupils with the condition.

Diabetes UK Cymru has created the animated CD-Rom to train teachers and staff at schools across Wales about diabetes and ways in which they can assist pupils with the condition.

Copies of the CD-Rom, which is available in English and Welsh, will be given to Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurses (PDSNs) across Wales.

They will then use the resource, along with demonstrations of how pupils can inject insulin and test their blood glucose, to train schools about assisting pupils with diabetes.

Topics covered on the CD-Rom include explanations of diabetes, medication, and signs and treatments of hypos (low blood glucose levels) and hypers (high blood glucose levels).

The CD-Rom also covers how schools can plan for trips involving children with diabetes, how to assist pupils with the condition during exams and schools' obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.

More than 1,400 children in Wales have Type 1 diabetes, which cannot be prevented and is treated with insulin injections or insulin pumps.

A further 26 children have Type 2 diabetes, a condition usually seen in adults, which is often associated with being overweight.

Dai Williams, National Director for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "For the 1,400 children with diabetes in Wales it is vitally important that their school understands their condition and can fully support them to manage it.

"We are delighted to be launching the CR-Rom as it will train school staff to understand the condition, the issues affecting pupils with diabetes and treatment needed when pupils' blood glucose levels go too high or too low.

"It also helps staff with practical advice for supporting children with diabetes, including planning for school trips, exams and understanding pupils' individual care plans.

"We hope the CD-Rom will help school staff to better support pupils with the condition and enable children with diabetes to lead happy and healthy lives in school."

The interactive CD-Rom allows PDSNs to pause, rewind and draw on the screen during training presentations.

PDSNs can request copies of the CD-Rom from Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276 or by emailing wales@diabetes.org.uk.

The charity can also provide diabetes information, posters and leaflets to schools upon request.