When tests show our child has type 1 diabetes we can feel overwhelmed with the diagnosis and learning how to control the condition. Our children may also feel the same way, so health experts in the Middle East have come up with a new way to help younger people across the world safeguard their wellness.
Managing diabetes
Children are more likely to have type 1 diabetes, which develops when our immune systems start attacking our own cells. This stops our bodies from making insulin, which is needed to break down sugar and give us energy. Although we may miss the symptoms in ourselves and our children, the disease can cause damages to our organs if it goes unrecognised and unmanaged. Signs of the condition include excessive urination, extreme thirst and weight-loss. We can treat diabetes by taking insulin to keep our blood sugars within a healthy range. Children may struggle more to understand why they need to have injections of insulin or change their diet and activities. But a new international programme based in Qatar has been launched that aims to educate children about diabetes in a fun way that builds their confidence.
Diabetes camp
Children – aged between 7 and 11 years – from across the world can take part in the week-long camps. They are put into different groups and learn about healthy eating and how carbohydrates influence their blood sugar levels. Workshops also concentrate on activities that can be incorporated into the children’s daily lives to bolster their wellbeing. Pastimes include a range of activities, such as yoga, martial arts and aerobics. Leaders of the camp say that because rates of type 1 diabetes grow by three per cent every year, the fact the camp is open to children from many different countries could boost wellbeing of young people on a more global level.
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