A school in Limavady has won an award for providing great care to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes.
St Mary’s Limavady has been chosen for the Diabetes UK ‘Good Diabetes Care in School Award’ because of the support it provides to students with the condition, the help it offers to manage their diabetes safely, and the care it takes to include them in all school activities.
Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where blood glucose levels are too high because the body can't make a hormone called insulin. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.
People with Type 1 diabetes need to check their blood glucose levels using a blood glucose testing device several times a day. This is important because over a long period of time, high glucose levels in the blood can lead to the development of complications. But with the right treatment and care, the long-term effects of diabetes and high glucose levels can be managed.
The recognition scheme aims to raise awareness of the vital role good diabetes care in school plays in keeping students safe, supporting them to achieve full academic potential and promoting their personal development.
Sean Mullan, Vice Principal at St Mary’s Limavady, said:
“We are delighted to receive this award − it’s not only recognition of how seriously we take Type 1 diabetes in our school, but also of our commitment to ensure all children and young people have access to the same opportunities, no matter if they have a long-term health condition or not.
“We work very closely with the parents, school staff and the students themselves to make sure that the right care is in place so that they can participate in all activities and reach their full academic potential.”
Cathaoir McDermott, Interim National Director at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said:
“Congratulations to St Mary’s Limavady for doing a fantastic job of supporting students with Type 1 diabetes. We urge all schools in the area to follow their example so that children and young people stay healthy and get the best from their education.
“Every child and young person with diabetes deserves to have the same opportunities as their friends. And their parents should be confident they're looked after properly in school.”
For more information on the Good Diabetes Care in School Award visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/care-award
