World Diabetes Day - 14 November 2014
On 14th November across the world people will celebrate World Diabetes Day and we hope Norfolk schools will do the same.
World Diabetes Day, on the 14th November every year, has grown from humble beginnings to become a globally-celebrated event to increase awareness about diabetes.
Comprising hundreds of campaigns, activities, screenings, lecture, meetings and more, World Diabetes Day is proving internationally effective in spreading the message about diabetes and raising awareness for the condition.
World Diabetes Day blue buildings
Each World Diabetes Day famous buildings and monuments all over the world are lit up in blue. This powerful and striking image helps to spread the message about World Diabetes Day to diabetics and non-diabetics alike.
Famous buildings that have been lit up in the past on World Diabetes Day include the London Eye and our very own Norwich Castle.
What schools can do:
With pupils
- Support the poster campaign being organised in conjunction with Norse our local authority school catering provider.
- Plan a special assembly to raise awareness about the condition and what World Diabetes day is trying to do. For ideas go to the JDRF website or Diabetes UK website (links below)
- Use PSHE lessons to encourage pupils to investigate Diabetes and to understand the difference between Type 1 Diabetes which is genetic and Type 2 Diabetes which is more often associated with Lifestyle choices
Resources for schools:
- You can find resources for KS1&2 here
- You can find resources for KS3 &4 here
- Focus on inclusion and diversity. How are we different? What does this mean for us and our daily lives. This can be a powerful way for children and young people to share their experiences of living with long term health conditions and how these impact on their lives. It can also enable schools to focus on simple adjustments to support children with long term health conditions including Diabetes.
- Organise a joint awareness-raising/fundraising event. JDRF one of our main Diabetes charities is organising Be a #TypeOnesie for World Diabetes Day Thousands of people across the country took part in #TypeOnesie last year to raise awareness of World Diabetes Day and raised funds for JDRF.#TypeOnesie is JDRF''s campaign for World Diabetes Day. All you need to do is wear a onesie for the day - whether you''re at school or work - and join thousands of others across the country in raising awareness of type 1 diabetes and money for JDRF.
With staff;
- Revisit your school policy on managing children with health conditions in school. How inclusive are you? Are your staff members aware of the needs of children with the condition and the implications for school procedures including school trips?
- If school staff have attended Diabetes Awareness training over the last 18 months have they had the opportunity to disseminate what they learned to other staff?
- Show staff the powerful short video from the Diabetes UK website which presents the experiences of some children and parents/carers and highlights what a difference schools can make. This is part of their current campaign to support better care for children with Diabetes in schools.
- Revisit your PSHE policy and programme - do you actively promote healthy lifestyle choices - particularly physical activity and healthy eating which can be so important in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. You will find the PSHE Association suggested programme of study here.
Case study Wymondham College 2013
All the Y9 students spent at least two lessons studying diabetes as part of their module on healthy living. The JDRF website was recommended for staff to use as it contains videos, powerpoints and case studies for schools. The head of year contacted the charity and they sent enough free leaflets for all Y9 students (220) to have their own copy on Understanding type 1 diabetes, with an information folder for each member of the staff leading the sessions. Students were very interested to learn about the topic, including type 2 Diabetes, and were shown a meter for measuring blood glucose levels. We combined it with excerpts from programmes on TV, warning about sugar and fat as dangers to health. This focus had been encouraged by a parent as part of her concern to make schools diabetes aware and extra lesson working on publicising diabetes to the school was also included.
You will find Useful links to managing medicines and further Diabetes guidance for school managers here:
This news item was published : 07 November 2014.