Children with diabetes get cash boost

Children with diabetes are set to benefit from a new machine which helps to detect future risk of complications thanks to a cash boost from Norfolk Constabulary.

There are currently around 500 children with diabetes in Norfolk – around 350 receiving care at the Norfolk and Norfolk University Hospital.   Staff at the Jenny Lind Children’s Department are therefore delighted with the £2,000 gift to buy a special analyser to carry out on the spot blood tests for children.  

Dr Nandu Thalange, Consultant Paediatrician at the Department, said:  “We have one of the largest diabetes clinics in the country, and provide specialist diabetes services to patients outside our immediate catchment area.   

“We are delighted with such a substantial donation because it allows us to purchase a special analyser which measures how well the blood glucose levels are being controlled, giving us a guide to the future risk of diabetes complications.  The equipment will be used when it is important to have an on-the-spot result when children visit the hospital.”  

The donation – £2,040.60 – has been made through the Constabulary’s Police Property Act Fund.   The Fund is made up of monies collated from the sale of lost/stolen property, which has not been claimed within 12 months and is auctioned off. 

The money raised is then distributed for charitable purposes.   Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins, presented the cheque to Dr Thalange and staff on Wednesday, 18 November.  He said:

“Norfolk Constabulary is delighted to be able to help such a worthy cause. We hope  this equipment will prove a valuable asset to the Unit which provides excellent treatment and support to young people with diabetes across the county.  

“Many local organisations across Norfolk have benefited from donations made via the Police Property Act Fund and we look forward to helping other charities in the future.”  

Robin Chapman, Vice-Chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, will also attend the event along with his 13-year-old granddaughter Abi who has Type 1 diabetes.   Speaking of the day Abi was diagnosed Mr Chapman, said: “Life changed for all of us from that day on. Type 1 diabetes not only affects the child but the whole family.  It has a tremendous impact on everyone.

“The family have to very quickly learn all about monitoring, treating and what diabetes means. “The impact has been tremendous for everybody. It is particularly difficult for Abi because she is a teenage girl. “It is one of those things you don’t think about until you or someone you know is affected.

“Anything that can be done to help the clinic has got to be good. They are an incredible team so such a donation is wonderful.”     

Diabetes Facts:

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes
This type of diabetes develops because the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It is commonly seen in patients under the age of 40 years and always requires insulin.

Type 2 diabetes
Here, some insulin is produced, however, the amounts produced are insufficient for the body’s needs as the body becomes less sensitive to the effects of insulin(insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40. People with Type 2 diabetes may be treated with diet and exercise initially but often require tablets and insulin later in their lives.

For more information log on to: https://new.nnuh.nhs.uk.