Working with children

[chloenelson1993]

Hey,

So I'm a Type 1, diagnosed 19 years and currently on the Omnipod pump and have the Freestyle libre.

For the last 7 years I have done Admin work and have always put off doing something more hands on and working directly with people( which is what I studied and wanted to do) because I'm worried about my diabetes and hypos when someone is under my care.

Recently i have been offered a job in childcare from Birth to 4 years and I am so happy but it also has me awake from 4am with anxiety because I'm so worried about how my bloods are going to affect the job and how to manage hypos when I am caring for such vulnerable/young people .

Previously I have just dealt with my hypos at my desk and it has been fine because I havent been active. I dont have consistent hypos but I do have them regularly, or they feel regular to me (approx 5 per week) due to a range of things such as my insulin requirements seem to change often , carb measurements wrong, more active, food not digesting quick enough and I havent extended etc.

Basically I'm just wondering if there are other Type 1s out there in similar jobs and wondering how they manage hypos when caring for others and whether any issues have arised.

I didnt disclose in my interview I was a diabetic because I always get worried I will be discriminated against so I will mention when I go to sign the paperwork to accept the offer but I'm so nervous they will refuse me.

Thanks,

CJT

 

[porl69]

They cannot refuse you for being diabetic
Working with children would be the same as having children of your own! You deal with what life/diabetes throws at you. It sounds as if you cope with your hypos pretty well? I take it you do not need any help while hypoing?
Maybe worthwhile you looking into the miaomiao for the Libre. You would be able to set alarms for when going lo/hi

 

[LooperCat]

If it’s any help, I work as a supply teacher and am about to start training to be a paramedic (I’m currently a volunteer community First Responder), so I’m often dealing with stressful situations, children and people in vulnerable situations. I also have Libre and Omnipod, but pimped my Libre with a MiaoMiao Bluetooth transmitter so I get alarms on my watch when I’m heading a little low, it buzzes my wrist discreetly at 4.4 and 6.6 so I can hopefully correct before going out of range. I just quickly shove a couple a couple of dextrose tabs in my gob and turn the pod off for half an hour - I’ve done this in the middle of a difficult class, dealing with patients and in the back of an ambulance - as well as taking a dollop of insulin if I need to. It takes seconds and hasn’t affected my various roles in any way.

 

[karen8967]

Hi chloe i work with vunrable adults although my role is housekeeping i do help out with care as im trained when i started this job i informed my employer i was type 1 they said that wasnt a problem at all like yourself i have the libre so check my bgs regulary if i notice bloods going low i check with finger prick then treat accordingly and have 5 mins out dont feel anxious easier said than done i know i wish you well in your new venture xx

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi, I have just started a new job as a School Escort for children with Special Educational Needs. It was a bit daunting to start with and many have complex needs, the oldest so far was 18. I test directly before I go and also just before I get to the school, or on my way home. It is not an active job, as I more used to being on my feet, but I have still had a couple of low's in the 3's with no problems. I love the job, so I would say to anyone, if you really want something, find out as much as you can and go for it.
All the best

 

[chloenelson1993]

They cannot refuse you for being diabetic
Working with children would be the same as having children of your own! You deal with what life/diabetes throws at you. It sounds as if you cope with your hypos pretty well? I take it you do not need any help while hypoing?
Maybe worthwhile you looking into the miaomiao for the Libre. You would be able to set alarms for when going lo/hi

Thank you for your response. I dont require help for my hypos and majority of them I can just drink a juice box and go about my day , in saying that my day usually involved sitting .

I will look into the miao miao , I wish the libre had it already or the dexcom was affordable, it would be so useful.

 

[Heathero]

Worked as a nurse for 35 years with type one.
Make sure you read libre properly acting and analysing arrows re change in readings. More recently (now getting older ) have found fast acting glucogel in a small tube 10g glucose on prescription helpful due to reduced awareness of hypos at times. Small to put in pocket / etc.Speak to your GP. Some Other diabetic careers I know also use them. I also use Omnipod and about to get freestyle libre prescribed hopefully.
Best wishes in your new job.

 

[Nat1992]

I’m on pump work in a nursery. As long as you say from the beginning that you are diabetic it helps, they can’t discriminate against you if you disclose from the beginning.

Explain what is best for your routine and make sure a care plan is put in place.

I find it tricky sometimes due to ratio but tend to have dextrose with me in a draw or locked cupboard and the libre helps a lot especially when recognising g low bloods and reacting to it.

Managers I find are normally helpful if when having a hypo, most will come to cover as well. I find the baby room easiest to work in due to sleep routine and ratios if I’m honest but it is generally what works well for you.

I also explain to parents especially having a hypo when the last few children are in and 8/10 times they understand as they know someone with it to (if not they ask questions).

 

[Ian_P]

Thank you for your response. I dont require help for my hypos and majority of them I can just drink a juice box and go about my day , in saying that my day usually involved sitting .

I will look into the miao miao , I wish the libre had it already or the dexcom was affordable, it would be so useful.

Hi Chloe,

Having a low BG alarm just makes life with T1D so much easier and safer - the miao miao looks great

Do have a look at the excellent ABCD (Association of British Clinical Diabetologists) Flash Glucose Monitoring education videos online too - they are absolutely fabulous, and may be able to help you identify why you're going low so frequently. Your HCP will find the CGM traces invaluable at your next diabetes review too.

https://abcd.care/dtn/education

The forthcoming Libre2 has a continuous low alarm but I don't think it's available in the UK yet. I'm self-funding a Dexcom G6, which is brilliant. It's about £40 per week.

With very best wishes,

Ian