Peak Power Sports Diabetes Management Policy for Children
This policy outlines the steps and responsibilities for managing children with diabetes who participate in after-school sports clubs and sports camps at Peak Power Sports. It ensures the health and safety of children with diabetes while promoting their full participation in sports activities.
1. General Policy
Peak Power Sports is committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all children, including those with diabetes. Staff, coaches, and volunteers will follow this policy to manage diabetes effectively and respond to diabetes-related emergencies.
2. Staff Training and Awareness
Training: All staff and coaches will undergo training in diabetes management and emergency protocols, including recognising hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, and administering glucagon or insulin if necessary.
Medical Information: Coaches will have access to an individual diabetes care plan (IDCP) for each child with diabetes.
The IDCP will be created in collaboration with the child’s parents and healthcare provider and will be reviewed annually.
Emergency Contact Information: Staff will maintain up-to-date emergency contact details for the child’s parents or guardians, as well as the child’s healthcare provider.
3. Individual Diabetes Care Plan (IDCP)
The IDCP must include:
The child’s specific diabetes management routine (e.g., blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration).
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) specific to the child.
Step-by-step instructions for treating hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
Clear guidelines on meal and snack times during activities.
Instructions for administering emergency treatments, including glucagon or fast-acting sugar.
Storage instructions for diabetes supplies and medications.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that all necessary medical supplies (e.g., glucose meters, insulin, snacks) are provided.
4. Blood Sugar Monitoring
Timing: Children should be allowed to check their blood sugar levels before, during, and after sports activities as per their IDCP.
Privacy: Blood sugar checks will be conducted discreetly to maintain the child’s comfort and privacy, if preferred.
Assistance: Coaches will assist younger children with blood sugar monitoring if needed, while older children are encouraged to self-manage if capable.
5. Managing Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
Symptoms to watch for: Shakiness, sweating, irritability, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Treatment: Immediate action will be taken to provide the child with fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets or juice, as outlined in the IDCP.
Rest and Recovery: The child will be allowed to rest until their blood sugar levels stabilize. They will only return to activity once they feel safe and comfortable.
Emergency Protocol: If the child becomes unconscious or is unable to swallow, staff will call emergency services (999) and administer glucagon if prescribed.
6. Managing High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia)
Symptoms to watch for: Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision.
Treatment: The child’s IDCP will outline whether they need extra insulin or other interventions.
Water and Rest: The child will be given water and allowed to rest as needed.
Emergency Protocol: If symptoms worsen or if the child shows signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion), staff will seek medical assistance immediately.
7. Nutrition and Snacks
Meal Scheduling: Staff will ensure that meal and snack times align with the child’s IDCP, especially when activities take place around mealtimes or extended play sessions.
Access to Snacks: Children with diabetes must have easy access to snacks and water at all times to prevent or treat hypoglycaemia.
Healthy Choices: Peak Power Sports encourages healthy snack options for all participants, and parents may provide additional snacks specific to their child’s needs.
8. Physical Activity and Adjustments
Participation: Children with diabetes are encouraged to participate in all sports activities. Coaches will monitor their well-being, particularly during strenuous activities, and be prepared to adjust the intensity or allow breaks when necessary.
Insulin Adjustments: Coaches will follow the IDCP’s guidelines regarding insulin adjustments based on the child’s activity level. Parents may provide specific instructions for pre-activity adjustments.
9. Communication with Parents
Pre-Participation Communication: Before the child joins any sports program, the IDCP must be reviewed and finalized in consultation with the child’s parents or guardians.
Daily Updates: Parents will receive updates on their child’s condition if blood sugar levels were monitored or if any diabetes-related incidents occurred during the session.
Emergency Notification: Parents will be notified immediately in case of a serious diabetes-related event.
10. Emergency Procedures
In the event of a severe diabetes-related emergency, the following steps will be taken:
Call 999 immediately- if the child is unconscious, having seizures, or displaying signs of severe hyperglycaemia.
Administer emergency medication as outlined in the IDCP (e.g., glucagon or insulin).
Contact the child’s parents as soon as possible after emergency services have been contacted.
Stay with the child until emergency personnel arrive.
11. Confidentiality
All medical information related to the child’s diabetes will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Only staff and coaches who directly work with the child will have access to this information.
By adhering to this policy, Peak Power Sports ensures the safety and well-being of children with diabetes, enabling them to fully participate in after-school sports programs while effectively managing their health.
Effective Date: 01/03/2024
Next Review Date: 01/03/2025
Peak Power Sport –March 2024