Type 1 diabetes management: E-learning course helps support young patients in school
Type 1 diabetes management: E-learning course helps support young patients in school
Type 1 diabetes currently affects around 400,000 people in the UK, including more than 29,000 children. The symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to manage in children, as monitoring glucose levels and educating them on the safe use of insulin doesn't always correspond with a carefree childhood.
In children, diabetes will need managing while they are at school as well as at home, and Virtual College is proud to have worked with type 1 diabetes charity JDRF, plus members of the National Children and Young People's Diabetes Network, to create a free e-learning resource for teachers and support staff so they can safely assist with diabetes management in young students.
Diabetes awareness: Teachers' requirements
Staff who work with children and young adults with type 1 diabetes are legally required to understand how to support them in their diabetes management in an appropriate way.
Diabetes awareness, including an understanding of the symptoms of diabetes, how to treat type 1 diabetes, and identifying the signs of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia are therefore essential, and that's the main aim of the basic version of the Virtual College-designed An Awareness of Type 1 Diabetes in Schools and Other Settings training package.
Helena Nelson of JDRF explained: “The course is very practical, engaging and immersive, with a series of challenges included to test retention and understanding.
“It is important for anyone working in a school with children with type 1 diabetes to have a good understanding of the condition and how it should be managed. This course is the ideal way of building this knowledge in a time-efficient way.”
There is also an advanced version of the training package, which focuses more closely on the safe use of insulin using different devices, and monitoring glucose levels.
Both courses are free to access, take approximately one hour to complete, and are certified by Continuous Professional Development guidelines.
After completing either course, learners will be able to download and print a certificate for their records.
About JDRF
JDRF funds and drives world-class research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes, ensuring research continues to move forward and that treatments are delivered to patients as quickly as possible, while providing a voice to individuals living with the condition and their families.
Access the training resource designed by Virtual College via the JDRF website here.
