Army helps diabetes patients

Children with type 1 diabetes have been learning how to manage the condition with the help of the Army.

 

Thirty youngsters took part in a diabetes and exercise education workshop at Bassingbourn Barracks, near Royston. Army instructors devised challenging circuits, an obstacle course and a climbing wall to test fitness and diabetes knowledge.

 

The Child and Adolescent Diabetes Service, based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge organised the event with the Army Physical Training Corps. The aim was to teach children with diabetes, their friends and family how to manage type 1 diabetes and sport.

 

Claire Pesterfield, lead paediatric diabetes specialist nurse at Addenbrooke’s, said: “Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition and needs to be managed appropriately with injections, healthy diet and regular exercise. It can be extremely hard work so learning in a fun way is an ideal reward. We thought the Army might be able to help us out and the kids really relished the challenge. We cannot thank the instructors enough for their efforts in making us feel welcome and helping us run this event.”

Matthew Ball, 12, from Potton, has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
He said: “We kept checking our blood sugar and it definitely got lower as we were doing exercises. We were told about how it’s important to keep checking your level and what foods to eat to keep you going. It was really good and I’m glad I went.”

The event took place on Friday 31 July. Of the 30 youngsters taking part, 20 have type 1 diabetes while the rest were friends and siblings. It’s vital that those close to someone with diabetes understand the condition and the signs of hypoglycaemia – the point where blood sugar becomes too low.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. About two million people in the UK have diabetes. Type 1 is the rarer form, affecting between five to 10 per cent of people with diabetes, and requires life-saving treatment with insulin. Another workshop is planned for later in the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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