Hospital marks World Diabetes Day with family education event

To mark World Diabetes Day the Jenny Lind children’s Diabetes team planned a day of activities for young patients with Type 1 diabetes and their families on Saturday 14th November.

The team exclusively invited NNUH paediatric patients with Type 1 Diabetes and their families to enjoy an activity day at the UEA Sportspark with a finale of the Norwich Castle lit up in blue.

Activities such as sports and family yoga and craft sessions were held at the UEA Sportspark. Children and families had fun whilst learning about the positive impact physical exercise can have on diabetes and the effect on insulin.

The finale of the day was the Norwich Castle being lit up blue to mark World Diabetes Day in Norwich. The Empire State Building in New York was the first building to join the World Diabetes Day campaign and agree to light up in blue. Since then the campaign has been joined by some of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Paul Hill Children’s Diabetes Specialist nurse commented: “Our Children and families are incredibly resilient to the many demands that having Type 1 Diabetes puts on them. We suggest that to maintain a normal blood glucose level, our patient’s do 4-7 blood checks and give insulin at least 4 times per day. Insulin pumps rather than injections are used by half of our patients to give insulin. Routines of daily care affect the whole family and as children grow, their needs change but family support remains vital in managing a life-long condition. I feel proud of all the hard work our patients and their families put in to managing their diabetes and I felt that this event showed them how it can be incorporated into their everyday life.”

Jenny Lind Diabetes Team