A lesson in highs and lows has helped a Derby primary school better understand Type 1 diabetes.
Eight-year-old Gracie Clarence, a pupil at Beaufort Primary School, part of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly after last Halloween when her parents realised something wasn’t quite right. Like many children, Gracie had been enjoying Halloween treats, but her dad, who also has Type 1 diabetes, quickly recognised the warning signs and made sure she received the treatment she needed.
Now, Gracie’s diagnosis has become an opportunity to teach the entire school about Type 1 diabetes – a lifelong condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin, meaning she has to carefully manage her blood sugar levels every day with insulin, regular monitoring and treatment when needed.
Pupils and staff gathered for a special assembly led by diabetes specialist Hayley Wright, a diabetes play specialist from Royal Derby Hospital, who explained what Type 1 diabetes is, how it affects the body and the warning signs everyone should know.
Gracie even helped bring the lesson to life by acting out the role of insulin, showing her classmates how the pancreas works.
Gracie, who dreams of becoming a doctor one day so she can help other people with diabetes, said: “It was really nice having Hayley come into school to tell all my friends what it is like having diabetes and answer the questions they always ask me.
“I helped show them by acting out how the pancreas works – I played the part of the insulin, I thought that was really fun.
“Having diabetes can sometimes be hard but because my dad has it too, we share something in common and he always knows the right things to do.
“All the teachers at school make me feel safe because they help me every day and they’ve all been learning about diabetes, so they know how to look after me.
“My school friends are always asking what is in my bag and what the sticker on my arm is, so now they all know after Hayley came in to teach everybody.
“Sometimes my phone beeps during assembly or in class if my blood sugars aren’t right and now everybody knows why. That makes me feel much better.
“At school, we have a motto: Be Brave. I use that when I look after my diabetes.”
Gracie carries a Disney Stitch bag everywhere she goes containing everything she needs to manage her diabetes, including a finger-prick testing kit, a phone which continuously monitors her blood sugar levels, dextrose treatment for hypos, a diary to share with her parents and diabetes team and a fidget toy which helps if changing blood sugar levels make her feel anxious.
She is also monitored by a small sensor worn on her arm, which continuously tracks her blood sugar levels and alerts her when they are too high or too low, helping her manage her condition every day.
The assembly also taught pupils about the “4 Ts” of Type 1 diabetes – thirsty, toilet, tired and thinner – helping children understand the symptoms that could save someone’s life if spotted early.
To support Gracie in school, six members of staff have completed specialist diabetes training, with two trained adults always on hand whenever she needs to check her blood sugar levels or adjust her insulin pump.
Teaching assistant Paula Gregory, who supports Gracie in the classroom, said: “Me and five other members of staff have all attended a half-day course to support Gracie, but we’re learning new things every day.
“My perception of diabetes has completely changed. Most people think it’s just about sugar, but there’s so much more to it than that.
“We’ve had things happen like her glucose sensor coming off or the hot weather affecting her blood sugars, but we’ve built such a good relationship with her parents and they’re always on hand if we need advice. We’re incredibly proud of how well she’s doing as a result of our hard work as a team.”
“Gracie is such a bubbly, happy little girl and this diagnosis hasn’t changed that at all. In fact, she’s so energetic that we need to keep an eye on her during playtime because all that running around can affect her blood sugar.
“It feels like a huge responsibility sometimes because we all want to get it right for her and we’re incredibly proud of how well she’s doing. She’s taking it all in her stride.”
Headteacher Kate Beecroft said: “When Gracie was diagnosed, we wanted to make sure she felt safe and supported every single day.
“Our staff have embraced the training and our pupils have done exactly the same by learning about Type 1 diabetes and understanding how they can support their friend.
“We’re incredibly proud of Gracie and the resilience she has shown. Hopefully the awareness we’ve raised through the assembly will help even more people recognise the signs of Type 1 diabetes in the future.”
