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The management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools
Anne Marks1, Valerie Wilson, Jackie Crisp
1Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Australia .
Insights
Management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools is inconsistent. Insulin pump therapy improves school-based insulin access for children with type 1 diabetes, but not all receive recommended treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes management requires consistent insulin delivery.
- School environments present unique challenges for managing chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes.
- Parental perspectives are crucial for understanding the real-world application of diabetes care in educational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools (Kindergarten-Year 2) from the parents' viewpoint.
- To identify the types of diabetes treatments administered, the providers of care, and the locations of treatment delivery within schools.
- To assess the consistency and adequacy of diabetes management in primary school settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 66 parents of children with type 1 diabetes attending Australian primary schools.
- An online, self-administered questionnaire distributed via Survey Monkey and a dedicated Facebook page was used, with data analyzed using SPSSv21.
Main Results:
- All children underwent blood glucose testing, with 49% self-testing.
- 77% of children received insulin at school, with 34% self-administered and 53% delivered via insulin pump.
- Children using insulin pumps (97%) and those able to self-administer insulin (93%) were more likely to receive school-based insulin compared to those using injections (55%) or unable to self-administer (65%).
- 81% of treatments occurred in the classroom, with the remainder in administrative offices.
Conclusions:
- Insulin administration in Australian primary schools is inconsistent, with not all children receiving recommended treatments.
- Insulin pump therapy is associated with increased access to diabetes treatment at school.
- Further improvements are needed to ensure consistent and adequate type 1 diabetes management in primary school settings.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to explore the management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools: kindergarten-Year 2, from the parent's perspective. The study questions were: What diabetes treatment is being delivered? Who is providing the treatment? Where is the treatment given?
Methods:
A cross sectional, descriptive approach was used to collect data from parents (66) of children with type 1 diabetes attending an Australian primary school (kindergarten-Year 2). An online self-administered questionnaire was designed in Survey Monkey and was available via a dedicated Facebook page. Data were analysed using statistical analysis (SPSSv21).
Results:
Blood glucose testing was occurring for all children, with 49% of children self testing. 77% of children were receiving an insulin bolus or injection at school. 34% was provided by the child and 53% of insulin was given via pump. Teachers, parents and teacher's aides also provided insulin at school. There was a statistically significant association between the number of children receiving insulin at school and the insulin delivery device, χ(2 )= 16.75, df = 1, p ≤ 0.000). Children using insulin pump therapy were more likely (97%) to receive insulin at school than children who used injections (55%). Children who were able to self-administer insulin were more likely to receive insulin (93%) at school than children who were unable to self-administer insulin (65%) (χ(2 )= 7.38, df = 1, p = 0.007) 81% of children received diabetes treatment in the classroom, with the remainder in the school administration office.
Conclusion:
Insulin administration across Australian primary schools was inconsistent. Not all children were receiving the recommended insulin treatment. Insulin pump therapy appears to increase access to this treatment at school.
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