An improved understanding amongst teachers, pupils and parents regarding the significant differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is needed across the country, Alex Cunningham MP has said.
The Member of Parliament for Stockton North has joined forces with Ciaran Poole, Deputy Member of the UK Youth Parliament for Stockton-on-Tees, to highlight the issues around Type 1 diabetes in schools and colleges across the country.
Ciaran, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five, is a strong advocate of doing more to educate children and teachers alike about the condition. Alex has lent his support to the effort to improve understanding and enhance the support available to those who suffer the condition, and has written to the Secretary of State for Education to call for diabetes awareness to be included within changes to the national curriculum.
Alex said:
“Estimates from Diabetes UK suggest that there are 29,000 children and young people with diabetes in the UK, of whom over 90% suffering from Type 1 diabetes. With these numbers looking set to rise, I support Ciaran’s suggestions and recognise the need to deepen awareness and improve the support available so that our educational establishments are better equipped to cope with the challenges and demands that they will be faced with in the coming years.”
Ciaran said:
“While support for children in schools has improved, and is brilliant in Stockton, there is no national minimum standard that teachers and staff must meet and knowledge can be poor. Putting in place a national charter across all schools and colleges, requiring at least one member of staff to attend an awareness course, would be a positive first step to realising the need for further education and information.”