To ensure the effective management of diabetes in children, the Talabi Diabetes Centre, a Non-Governmental Organization, has provided school teachers with complimentary medical screenings and training.
During a one-day seminar on Diabetes and Hypertension, held at the Talabi Diabetes Centre in Isara-Remo, Remo-North local government area of Ogun State, experts emphasized the importance of monitoring the attitudes of students for proper diabetes management.
An Endocrinologist at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Omoshalewa Oyewole, highlighted the crucial role of teachers in managing diabetes in children.
Oyewole emphasized the need to educate teachers about diabetes and its management in school-aged children.
She said, “1.2 million children have type 1 diabetes worldwide with 4.4 in 1000 children aged 0-19 years in Nige tria. And diabetes in children is mostly genetic and can occur at any age.
“So, teachers are more important in the management of diabetes in children than the parents because they spend more time with them in school.
“There is a need for more enlightenment on what diabetes is and how to properly manage it to prevent complications in children and they also need to be sensitized on the complication.”
She advised that teachers should display patience towards their students, particularly those who exhibit signs such as frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, and fatigue.
She said, “Teachers need to be patient and pay keen attention to their learners, especially those that continuously take permission to urinate, drink a lot of water and lose attention in class.
“Other symptoms of diabetes in children include skin infections, vaginal candidiasis, abdominal pain, blurred vision, and being attracted to the site of probation, bedwetting, and decreasing school performance.”
On his part, a consultant endocrinologist at FMC, Dr. Boladale Alalade, emphasized that pancreas transplantation has not achieved success thus far.
However, he urged diabetes patients to diligently and timely adhere to their medication, stating that while the disease is incurable, it can be effectively managed.
He said, “All over the world as of now, it is manageable but not curable. So, my advice for diabetic patients is that they should continue taking their medications and visit their caregivers duly.”
Earlier, the Seminar Coordinator, Dr. Olubiyi Adeshina, explained that the decision to raise awareness among teachers was motivated by the necessity to decrease the increasing incidence of diabetes in children.
Dr. Adeshina, emphasized the significance of promptly identifying and managing diabetes in children.
He highlighted that when teachers receive education about diabetes, its symptoms, and management, they will be better equipped to comprehend the requirements
students displaying any related symptoms and equipment and it improved care.
Furthermore, he mentioned that armed with this knowledge, teachers can administer initial treatment to affected individuals.
In his response, the Headteacher General of Remo Division, Hon. Babatunde Kalejaye, conveyed his sincere appreciation to the organizers, describing the seminar as enlightening and informative.
However, he urged the attendees to make the most of the knowledge they acquired during the seminar and spread awareness among other teachers in their respective schools.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of fostering positive relationships with students and maintaining patience at all times.
“I thank the organisers of this seminar It is an eye-opener for all of us. I am well equipped with the necessary knowledge of diabetes.
“I hereby urge all teachers here to go back to their respective schools and educate others who are not beneficiaries of this seminar.
“Also, let us ensure we build a cordial relationship with our learners. Let’s be patient with them and look out for these symptoms. We are also to take good care of our health as well.”
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