First “GaDiaKi” study centers launch: New training programs are designed to provide greater peace of mind for children and adolescents with diabetes and their families
Witten/Herdecke University is inviting other pediatric and adolescent diabetes centers to participate in the nationwide innovation fund project.
A child with type 1 diabetes has to make decisions every day that are of great importance to their health: How is their blood sugar level changing? How much insulin is needed? What happens when they’re playing sport, on a school trip or at a children’s birthday party? At the same time, many parents are constantly worried about hypoglycaemia and potential emergencies.
This is precisely where the project ‘Holistic, interprofessional diabetes group training for children and young people in a child-friendly everyday setting’ (GaDiaKi), led by a consortium headed by Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) and developed by Pro Kid e.V., comes in.
GaDiaKi is funded by the Innovation Fund of the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA). The aim of the project is to conduct scientific research into how training programmes rooted in everyday life can support children and young people with type 1 diabetes, as well as their families, in managing the condition.
The first two study centres have now been launched: the specialist paediatric diabetes centres in Bielefeld (Dr Meik Askenas) and Herford-Radewig (Dr Christoph Klinkert).
They mark the start of a nationwide network of up to 40 specialist paediatric and adolescent diabetes practices and diabetes centres. Witten/Herdecke University is therefore seeking further institutions to take part in the study and to play an active role in shaping the future care of children and young people with type 1 diabetes.
What support really helps families
“With the launch of the first study centres, the decisive phase of the project is now beginning,” says Dr Bettina Berger, who is taking on the role of consortium lead at Witten/Herdecke University. “We want to find out which training programmes help children and young people to integrate their diabetes confidently and safely into their everyday lives – and how this can provide families with tangible relief and improve their participation in social life.”
Learning in everyday life rather than in the treatment room
GaDiaKi shifts training from clinics and practices into everyday life. At leisure centres, children and young people learn in groups of 16 to 20 participants over several days how to manage their diabetes independently – whilst playing sport, taking part in group activities and eating with others.
They are supported by interprofessional teams comprising specialists in paediatric and adolescent diabetology, psychology, social pedagogy and nutritional counselling. Young adults with type 1 diabetes play a special role: as mentors, they contribute their own experiences and support the participants as equals. The Association of Children and Young People with Diabetes (BdKJ) trains them and remunerates them for their work.
Further information:
The clinics in Bielefeld and Herford-Radewig are now taking on a pioneering role. In the coming months, further specialist clinics and diabetes centres are set to join as study centres.
Interested organisations can get in touch at:
Project management
Dr Bettina Berger & Prof. Dr Ekkehart Jenetzky
Witten/Herdecke University
GaDiaKi Project
58455 Witten
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Svenja Malessa
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