Children learn signs of diabetes in school programme

A mascot gives children education material about healthy choices in food and how to avoid diabetes. Photo Courtesy Ogilvy

DUBAI // Children are being taught in school how to stay healthy and alert of the signs of diabetes in classmates thanks to a new programme.

Children and staff at the Nadd Al Hamar School in Dubai were the first to benefit from the Kids and Diabetes in Schools’ (Kids) programme, which aims to educate them on why the condition can be a problem for young people.

About 19.3 per cent of the population in the UAE are now thought to have diabetes, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and about 60,000 children under 15 have Type 1 diabetes in the Mena region.

“We have a nurse who deals with diabetic students to administer insulin when required but, as teachers, most of us know what signs to look out for if a pupil is unwell,” she said.

“One of my pupils is diabetic, and I know what foods she should or shouldn’t be eating to control her condition.

“We know about pupils who have asthma or diabetes, it is important. They are all treated equally but some need more care than others.”

The Kids programme aims to build a supportive environment in schools. It will last for a year, with workshops in 12 public schools in the UAE in phase 1, with private schools to be included later.

Pupils will learn about diabetes through comics, cartoon characters, activity sheets, competitions and educational videos.

Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for health centres and clinics and public health, said progress on cutting diabetes will be monitored.

“We want to pass on the knowledge to children, their parents and teachers - who can all take part in workshops,” he said.

“From this project, we hope to be able to control diabetes. We know it is increasing around the world because of lifestyle and a lack of physical activity.”

More than 250 children have benefited from a similar health educational programme run by Dubai Health Authority.

Four schools took part in workshops on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid non-communicable diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Obese children were put on a weight loss plan, with the schools later showing a seven per cent drop in obesity levels among those tested.