Today is World Diabetes Day-an important awareness raising initiative that this year focuses on the role family plays in managing, treating and identifying diabetes.
To mark the day, the Morrison Government has announced the Type 1 Diabetes Management in Schools program will commence in early 2020, in readiness for the new school year.
This $6 million initiative will support students with type 1 diabetes by providing a training and education program for staff at selected schools, to support students with the condition.
Staff at selected schools will be trained in glucose monitoring, insulin administration and recognition of hypoglycaemia.
In addition, a new online portal will be available to all parents, principals, school staff and health professionals.
The online portal will provide access to a range of tools, resources, information and support, to help schools better understand how to support students with type 1 diabetes while at school.
The Type 1 Diabetes Management in Schools program will give parents peace of mind that their children are supported in managing their condition while at school.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person's ability to produce insulin.
It is vital that children and young people with the disease are monitored throughout the day.
This initiative builds on our investment of more than $300 million over four years for the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
The Scheme gives people access to affordable products and services to help them self-manage their condition.
The Type 1 Diabetes Management in Schools program aligns with the priority action identified in the Australian National Diabetes Strategy Implementation Plan, to promote awareness of Type 1 Diabetes symptoms and management in schools, other educational settings, workplaces and the community more broadly.
