Sports coaches across Australia can now access WA-designed sport resources, which aim to help coaches better understand type 1 diabetes (T1D) and encourage children living with the condition to stay in sport.
We know exercise is important for good physical and mental health in all people, but there are additional benefits for people living with T1D including optimising blood glucose levels - leading to fewer health complications later in life.
Despite this knowledge, currently kids with T1D tend to be less active than their peers.
Research has found one of the main barriers to participating in exercise and sport has been a lack of knowledge and awareness of the condition by their coaches. Many coaches also reported they lacked the confidence and understanding to provide adequate support for young people living with T1D.
Type 1 diabetes is the most common chronic condition in children, affecting more than 1,100 children in Western Australia. The condition is lifelong, with no cure, and these children face increased risk of cardiovascular complications that can shorten their life expectancy.
Researchers at the Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre, a JDRF Global Centre of Excellence based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, have teamed up with young people living with T1D, their parents, and coaches to develop the first-of-their-kind T1D sports resources, Take PART (Physical Activity Resources for Type 1), to provide the information coaches need to safely include kids with T1D in community sport teams.
Co-director of the Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre, Professor Liz Davis, said people living with T1D could participate in all forms of physical activity, but it could sometimes be more challenging.
“We want to encourage young people living with T1D to feel more confident to participate in sport and physical activity to help them live a healthier life,” Professor Davis said.
“The resources equip coaches to better understand the condition and help support and encourage young people playing sport.
“We hope these resources help young people living with T1D and their parents feel more confident during community sport and encourage participation in a variety of different activities.”
Thirteen-year-old Madeleine Pontifex, who was diagnosed with T1D at the age of seven, got involved in co-designing the resources because she believed if more coaches had information on T1D management, then more children would feel comfortable playing sport.
“For kids living with T1D wanting to get into sport, having these resources means that coaches will understand, and they won’t have to worry on their own,” Madeleine said.
The resources include:
- A physical activity booklet providing an in-depth overview of T1D
- A ‘My Diabetes’ individualised document for players to personalise about their diabetes and support they may require
- A pocket wallet guide designed to be a small, handy resource that can be kept in a coach’s pocket or coaching bag
- An A4 Fact Sheet, providing an overview of key information to be aware of, and
- A poster designed to be hung in a club room or foyer providing an overview of key information.
Next steps
- Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia will continue to work with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for dissemination of the resources to WA’s 90+ state sport organisations
- Resources will be made available through the PCH Diabetes Clinics, JDRF Australia and participating sports organisations across Australia
- The resources will be reviewed and updated to respond to feedback, new evidence from research and community preferences