Child diabetes clinician group releases Position Statement on COVID-19

Children expected to return to school in June with diabetes can do so providing “protective measures” are in place, according to the Association of Children’s Diabetes Clinicians (ACDC).

The organisation, which support clinicians and healthcare professionals in looking after children with diabetes, has issued a Position Statement two weeks before children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 are allowed back to school after the UK lockdown.

Referring to about COVID-19 in the document, ACDC Chair Associate Professor May Ng said: “The statement we have issued was developed by the ACDC committee. There is no evidence to suggest that children with diabetes a

ACDC Chair Associate Professor May Ng

re more prone to this compared to other children without diabetes. There is also no evidence that children with diabetes are more likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to children without diabetes, any more than they are with gastroenteritis or any other infections that circulate during the school year. We should continue to be vigilant, especially around hand washing and social distancing.”

Dr Ng also spoke about the NHS England’s published national diabetes data on COVID-19 mortality and pointed out that to date there have been no deaths of anyone with diabetes under the age of 20 due to the infection.

Also an Honorary Associate Professor at University of Liverpool and Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, Dr Ng said: “In principle, children with diabetes can return to school as long as protective measures in the education setting are in place in accordance to national guidance.

“You may wish to consider how well your child will be able to maintain social distancing, and the support your child needs from school.  You will be considering whether anyone else at home may be at higher risk of catching the virus. You will be considering how well you are able to educate your child at home, and the risks of them falling behind in their education from staying at home.  You will also be thinking about the enjoyment and beneficial social interaction your child will have seeing friends again.”

To read the document in full, click here.

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