Olympic fever inspires all
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital ‘Team Norfolk’ came 2nd out of nearly 16 hospital teams made up of paediatric patients with diabetes who took part in the Paediatric Diabetes East of England Games.
Nearly 136 under 16’s in teams from hospitals across the region competed against each other at the event held at Grove Wood School in Rayleigh, Essex.
Events included an egg and spoon race, skipping, sack race, three legged race and running amongst others.
Diabetes affects over 20,000 children in England, most of whom have type 1 diabetes, and the East of England has the third highest number of young people aged 0-17 with diabetes in the country.
Jo Gibbons, NNUH Children’s Diabetes Specialist Nurse said: “It is very important that children with diabetes see how important exercise is in staying healthy and feel supported in a fun way. They also learn how to balance their food intake and insulin doses during exercise. I would also like to say a big thank you to The Norwich Youth Group for funding the coach and to all the staff and parents who helped on the day.”
The games have been organised by the East of England Paediatric Diabetes Network and are designed to promote exercise and sport as a key part of daily diabetes management.