Beano-inspired classroom resources aim to improve type 1 diabetes awareness among children and teachers

Healthcare professionals are being encouraged to raise awareness of free educational resources designed to improve the understanding of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in primary schools, following a collaboration between Sanofi UK, DigiBete and Beano for Schools.

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on Saturday November 14, the organisations are highlighting the importance of diabetes education in schools and the role it can play in reducing stigma, improving understanding and creating a more supportive environment for children living with the condition.

The Beano for Schools programme provides teachers with free, curriculum-focused resources that explore both the biological and emotional aspects of type 1 diabetes, helping pupils better understand what it means to live with the lifelong autoimmune condition.

Developed in partnership with DigiBete, an NHS-funded social enterprise providing diabetes education and support, the initiative includes three lesson plans and accompanying classroom worksheets for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.

The resources use familiar Beano characters and storytelling to explain type 1 diabetes in an age-appropriate way, while encouraging conversations about the condition among children, teachers and families.

Since launching earlier in 2026, the resources have been downloaded by 143 teachers, helping to bring diabetes awareness into classrooms across the UK.

Approximately 400,000 people in the UK are living with type 1 diabetes, including around 30,000 children and young people aged 18 or under, according to figures provided by the organisations.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, including in people with no family history of the condition, making wider public awareness an important part of improving understanding.

For healthcare professionals working in paediatric diabetes services, primary care and community settings, educational initiatives such as Beano for Schools offer an additional resource to help families communicate with schools and support children in managing life with diabetes.

Improving awareness among classmates and teachers can also help create an environment in which children feel understood and included throughout the school day.

Maddie Julian, co-founder and chief executive of DigiBete, and a parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes, said: “Raising awareness of type 1 diabetes is at the heart of DigiBete’s mission. Type 1 diabetes can be a lot for children and families to navigate, and helping the people around them understand the condition can make a real difference.

“We hope these Beano for Schools resources help more young people understand what it can mean to live with type 1 diabetes and encourage open conversations at school and at home.”

The initiative has also received support from the ELSA study, which focuses on early detection of type 1 diabetes in children.

Professor Parth Narendran, clinical adviser at Breakthrough T1D, highlighted the importance of introducing diabetes education at an early age.

He said: “The ELSA study is very proud to support the launch of the Beano for Schools programme in its efforts to deepen understanding of type 1 diabetes in classrooms across the UK.

“Bringing this understanding to young people early on in their lives helps raise awareness, reduces stigma, and creates a more supportive and inclusive environment for children with the condition.”

The programme builds on Sanofi’s previous collaboration with Beano, which introduced Rhymin’ Reema, a character living with type 1 diabetes, in a special advertorial marking World Diabetes Day 2024.

Ahmed Moussa, country lead for the UK and Ireland at Sanofi, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to improving diabetes awareness alongside advances in care.

He said: “Sanofi is committed to transforming type 1 diabetes care – not just through innovation but through meaningful partnerships and education on the disease.

“It’s about showing up, listening, and taking action. Our Beano for Schools programme reflects that belief. We hope that through deepening awareness of type 1 diabetes  out in the public and inside classrooms across the UK, we can support greater understanding amongst children, parents and teachers.”

Paediatric diabetes teams, diabetes specialist nurses, GPs and other professionals supporting children with type 1 diabetes may find the resources useful when discussing school-based awareness with parents, carers and education staff.

By helping children understand the condition from an early age, the programme aims to encourage empathy, challenge misconceptions and promote a more inclusive school experience for pupils living with diabetes.

The three lesson plans and accompanying classroom worksheets are available free of charge to primary school educators through the Beano for Schools website.