Children with diabetes in need of support

Fri, 13 Aug 2010
Health charity Diabetes UK is launching a new campaign for better care and support for children suffering from diabetes . The campaign, Children’s Charter for Diabetes, also hopes to help those children who are being bullied or discriminated against because of their diabetes.

With 20,000 children under the age of 15 suffering from type 1 diabetes in the UK, and an estimated 2,000 new cases being diagnosed every year, the charity is offering support so that they can lead full and healthy lives. The Children’s Charter for Diabetes sets out a number of policy statements that represents the changes that Diabetes UK believe must happen to ensure high quality care for children.

Half of the children questioned said they needed someone to talk to about how to deal with their diabetes, as well as their fears about complications, being bullied and the impact on their family.

The charity is distributing a petition to provide children with the metabolic condition with more of a voice, as well as highlighting the needs of children and their families. Diabetes UK will deliver the petition to the Government in the autumn.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, commented that "It is unacceptable that some children are made to feel different and isolated and there is a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance that can lead to bullying or discrimination . The emotional impact of diabetes on children’s wellbeing is a very serious issue and it can influence how well they manage their diabetes. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious health complications in the future, such as blindness, heart disease, stroke and amputation ."

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