DOHA: Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) has called for a law to provide proper care for diabetic children.
QDA is promoting the ‘Rights of Students with Diabetes’ programme to bring the attention of authorities and the public to the issue.
“Through the programme, we are mobilising efforts and urging decisionmakers at schools to create a safe environment for diabetic students to enable them to succeed in academic and health aspects,” Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, QDA Executive Director, said yesterday.
He said this could be achieved by applying the ‘Students with Diabetes Medical Plan at School’ and by being committed to perform responsibilities highlighted by QDA.
“We hope these responsibilities are endorsed by authorised institutions. A law enforcing our recommendations would provide necessary tools to take care of diabetic students and ensure all parties are aware of the schools’ responsibilities and duties towards the students.”
QDA recently held a two-day training course for school nurses on treatment of diabetic children. Forty-five nurses who supervise 250 diabetic students took part.
The event was held in collaboration with Primary Healthcare Corporation and the Paediatric Endocrinology Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
“Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and teenagers, and since children spend most of their day at school, there should be someone who is aware of symptoms and complications to be able to provide the best care. That is why QDA is working with schools and parents to provide a healthy and secure environment for children.
“By providing nurses with latest information and methods to improve skills, QDA is improving students’ lives,” he added.
The course included sessions on Type 1 diabetes, the insulin system and its types, and how to adjust insulin dose. There were also sessions on high and low blood sugar and how to handle such cases at schools. The role of the school nurse, nutrition and sports was also discussed to help students manage their condition. Another session looked at psychological aspects of diabetics, held the HMC’s Psychiatry Department.
Nurses were taught how to manage stages diabetic students go through, and when to communicate with parents. They were also trained in implementation of the ‘Students with Diabetes Medical Plan at School’ policy.
The Peninsula
