Health conditions
If you have a health condition or physical health symptom impacting your life and work it is always advisable to discuss this with your school to see how they can support you and what your needs might be. Below we have included some common health conditions and signposted to support for your information. Your school may have specific policies, for example a menopause policy.
Cancer
If you want to find out more information about cancer, the NHS have lots of information online including where you can go to for support.
1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the UK, the 4 most common types of cancer are:
Other organisations who can help
Macmillan Hub - offers support and information to anyone who has concerns about cancer, their relatives, friends and carers. Macmillan aims to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can. Whether you need help paying bills, advice on benefits or treatment, or just want to chat, find out about the different ways they can help.
Maggie's If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Maggie's Cheltenham can help.
Charlie's is a great cancer support charity that is based in Gloucester. It offers general support together with therapies and mental health activities. They are really welcoming and have a great community.
Diabetes
Even if you do not have diabetes, we all need to be aware of how we can support those around us who do have diabetes. Below we have put together some resources, activities, and support links to help support everyone.
Millions live with Diabetes in the UK – Type 1 and Type 2 – what is the difference?
Type 1:
- Blood glucose is too high - your body is unable to make insulin to break down the glucose
- 8% of people with Diabetes in the UK have Type 1
- It is a serious and lifelong condition
- Can lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level)
Type 2:
- Insulin produced by your pancreas does not work properly or your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin
- Therefore, your blood glucose (sugar levels) keep rising
- Can lead to dangerous levels of high blood sugar which could result in hyperglycaemia
- 90% of people with Diabetes in the UK have Type 2
Other types of diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
- Neonatal diabetes
- Wolfram Syndrome
- Alström Syndrome
- Latent Autoimmune diabetes in Adults (LADA)
- Type 3c diabetes
- Steroid-induced diabetes
- Cystic fibrosis diabetes
Supporting someone at work with Diabetes
"If a person has diabetes, it’s up them if they want to tell their colleagues and manager about their condition. But being open can help you give them any support they might need.
The best way to get informed about diabetes and how it affects someone is to ask them. They live with the condition every day and will be able to let you know how you can best help them.’’
Find out more about supporting someone at work(diabetes.org.uk).
Diabetes UK in your area
There are support groups and activities across the UK. Find a team near you.
Heart Disease
If you want to find out more about heart disease, The British Heart Foundation is a really useful site. It includes information about heart or circulatory conditions, tests or treatments.
