New school resources for Type 1 Diabetics

The Vic Government is helping students with type 1 diabetes by releasing new resources and training.

The new Diabetes Guidelines – Supporting Students with Type 1 Diabetes in Victorian Schools and Diabetes at School online education package will help schools support students with diabetes in their care.

Between 2000 and 2500 Victorian students are estimated to be affected by Type 1 diabetes, which is incurable and requires constant management.

While support needs differ from one person to the next, all students with this form of diabetes need some level of support at school to help manage their condition.

The new guidelines provide practical advice on communication, staff training, implementing treatment plans and making active and reasonable adjustments to make sure students affected by diabetes get the most out of school.

They have been developed in close consultation with Diabetes Victoria and clinicians from the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital, schools and parents, to ensure they have up-to-date, practical and evidence-backed advice.

Diabetes Victoria, working together with Royal Children’s and Monash Children’s hospitals, has also developed an online education package for all Victorian school staff.

It will help principals, teachers and other school staff build awareness of type 1 diabetes and confidence to support students in their care, particularly how to recognise and safely respond in the event of an emergency.

The training package is available at diabetesatschool.com.au.

Victorian Government Health Ambassador for Diabetes Bronwyn Halfpenny said: “These new tools will ensure parents can have confidence their kids will be able to fully participate in the classroom and beyond while receiving the care they need.”