LOCAL MP SUPPORTS SCHOOL PUPILS WITH DIABETES (West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats)

West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats <info@westbromwichandwarleylibdems.org.uk>

LOCAL MP SUPPORTS SCHOOL PUPILS WITH DIABETES

January 26, 2009 5:23 PM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats

Paul Keetch MP for Hereford Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, has lent his support to leading health charity Diabetes UK and its campaign to improve support for children with diabetes in schools.

Whilst some children receive excellent support to manage their diabetes at school, others are not so lucky. Some are denied access to snacks during lessons, kept out of class unnecessarily and banned from going on school trips.

Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. Short-term complications of the condition include hypoglycaemic episodes, known as 'hypos', can lead to unconsciousness and hospitalisation if left untreated. However, effective diabetes management from the time of diagnosis can reduce the risk of these complications. This is why giving children the right support to control their condition from an early age is vital to protect their short and long-term health.

Mr Keetch said, "There are an estimated 2,000 children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes every year in the UK. It is vital that they are appropriately supported to manage their diabetes at school to protect their health, quality of life and education.

"The Government needs to ensure that pressure comes from the top down to implement existing legislation so local authorities, primary care trusts and schools can work together to have effective policies in place to support children with diabetes - and actually adhere to them. Inspections and monitoring will play a vital part in this. It is appalling that some children with diabetes are not getting the support they need to live a full school life."

MPs have been asked to sign Early Day Motion 266 "Support for children with diabetes" which calls for the 20,000 children in the UK who have Type 1 diabetes to receive appropriate support in managing their condition at school.

To coincide with World Diabetes Day, Diabetes UK released 'Making all Children Matter', a report that looked at the current situation for children with diabetes in schools in England and what needs to be done to ensure they get the same opportunities as every other child. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.diabetes.org.uk/makingallchildrenmatter

To find out if you are at risk of diabetes visit www.diabetesuk-awareness.org

For further information about Diabetes UK's 75th anniversary, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/75years

Ends

Notes to editor

1 http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37267&SESSION=899

2 Diabetes UK is the leading charity for the three million people in the UK with diabetes. It is their 75th Anniversary in 2009 and events to mark this special occasion will be taking place around the country. The charity funds more than £7 million of research every year as well as campaigning and providing information and support. More than half a million people in the UK have diabetes but do not know it. For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk .

3 In the UK, there are currently 2.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes and it is estimated that more than half a million people have the condition but do not know it.

4 The Diabetes UK Careline (0845 120 2960) offers information and support on any aspect of managing diabetes. The line is a lo-call number and opens Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (operates a translation service). Recorded information on a number of diabetes-related topics is also available on this number 24 hours a day.

5 Membership of Diabetes UK is from £22 a year with special rates available. In addition to the bi-monthly magazine Balance, members receive support and the latest information on diabetes care and treatments to help them live a healthy life.