The International Day of Education on 24 January marks a global call to ensure quality, inclusive learning for all. It also offers a powerful opportunity to spotlight an often-overlooked truth: psychosocial well-being is essential for students with diabetes to truly thrive.
To mark the day, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is hosting this Blue Circle Talk to discuss the psychosocial impact of diabetes in schools and to share personal stories, expert insights, best practices, and policy and advocacy priorities.
Children and adolescents living with diabetes navigate a range of emotional and social challenges that can be just as demanding as their medical needs. Anxiety, stigma in school environments, social isolation, pressure to self-manage and concerns about body image or academic performance can overwhelm their daily lives. At the same time, families and educators often feel unprepared, facing stress and uncertainty due to a limited understanding of diabetes and inconsistent access to the guidance and resources they rely on.
The KiDS programme has demonstrated its transformative powers when school communities are equipped with the right knowledge, practical guidance, and an inclusive framework that champions safety and belonging for every learner.
Join us to discover how education systems can become catalysts for healthier, more inclusive futures for students living with diabetes.
The event will be moderated by Anita Sabidi, advocate and IDF Blue Circle Voice from Indonesia.
Speakers include:
- Kyle Jacques Rose, Vice-President, International Diabetes Federation
- Dr Eduardo Calliari, Special Interest Group about Diabetes in Schools, ISPAD
- Nupur Lalvani, Founder, Blue Circle Foundation, India
- Savita Chavan, IDF Blue Circle Voice, India
- Ousman Ceesay, IDF Young Leader in Diabetes Trainee, Gambia
- Estefania Malasissi, IDF Young Leader in Diabetes Alumni, Argentina
- Naser Altooblani, IDF Young Leader in Diabetes Mentor, Bahrain
- Dania Makkawi, IDF Young Leader in Diabetes Trainee, Egypt
