Julien Ziert (26) is an active handballer. He plays in the Oberliga for Lehrter SV. Here he has also coached youths.

He has had diabetes for 15 years, lives in Hannover, is married, and works as a researcher in the Institute of Sport Science at the Leibnitz University in Hannover. He had always wanted to be a high school teacher of physical education and English. When the opportunity, however, to carry out research and to participate in training physical education teachers presented itself at the Uni, he took it. He wanted to use this chance to specialize in the area of diabetes and school sport. He has a special interest in making sure that children (both with and without diabetes) not only have fun but also gain a real benefit from doing sport. Dr. Karin Lange, a member of our diabetes team, speaks with Julien Ziert.  

Already as children, Julien Ziert and his brother could never sit still. At 11 years old, Julien was diagnosed with diabetes. It was with a blood sugar reading of 445 mg/dl (24.7 mmol/l) that he arrived at the hospital. The illness, however, has not stopped him from becoming a successful handballer (“I have always loved the team spirit!”) and from studying sport.  

DPJ: How does diabetes combine with a contact team sport such as handball?

JZ: It is relatively easy, although sometimes I have to put in around three hours training a day. I usually measure my blood sugar before the game starts, in the breaks, or at half-time. Very rarely have I ever hadto leave the court due to a hypo. And even if, it only takes a few minutes until I am back on the court supporting my team. My team knows about my condition, and accept it, without giving me any special treatment or extra consideration.

DPJ: Did having diabetes influence your choice of profession?

JZ: My wish to study sport and English has been with me since I was at school. Especially the possibility of meeting people from abroad was important for me. I have already spent several months in England and formed international friendships—a highlight in my life.
The fact that teaching is a secure job was not the motive behind my wanting this profession, but merely a positive side effect, especially in view of my diabetes. In any case, I feel that one shouldn’t let diabetes incringe too much upon one’s future plans.
Anyway, it happens that I chose to remain at university and complete my Ph. D. I see my future as bright, which probably stems from the fact that I have mastered every challenge put before me so far.

DPJ: There is much talk at the moment about the lack of proper supervision for children with diabetes at school. How do you feel about this?

JZ: Unfortunately, it is difficult to expect every teacher to be an expert in every child’s needs. They have to tend to several classes with anything up to 30 children in each, and cope with numerous problems. For the school to emply a reliable and, above all, competent consultant for children with chronic conditions would surely be helpful. Whichever way, a general knowledge on the subject of diabetes, in particular for physical education teachers, is indispensable. The younger the children, the more competent the teacher should be. It is important that the teachers should want to learn more about diabetes, and is definitely in their interest to do so. However, the initiative should also come from those with the diabetes, or at least their parents. I have never heard of a teacher having refused this kind of help.  

DPJ: You know what it was like to be a school kid with diabetes. How did you find your teachers/coaches?

JZ: Generally speaking, very good. I can hardly remember the very early years, however. Later, I didn’t expect any of my teachers to have to deal with my condition. I took my therapeutical needs into my own hands. They gave me the room to do this. One thing I do remember—a teacher once told me off for chewing gum, telling me to spit it out when, in fact, I was sucking on a piece of dextrose. My friends, however, were quick to react and informed the teacher immediately. On a more serious note, I remember when I had to be excluded from a two-week class trip, because it involved forest activities with strenuous physical activity. My parents (and rightfully so!) were afraid, in view of the long time span involved, that something could happen. From what I know now about diabetes and its psychosocial effects on youths, I would recommend that school children with diabetes should be encouraged to take part in school trips.
Over my experience with coaches I can only speak positively.  

DPJ: In your view, what should teachers avoid?

JZ: As I have learnt in my studies, there are some classic points of conflict that typically arise between teachers and pupils with diabetes. A big problem is overprotectiveness, whereby the kid feels unnecessarily limited, pushed back, or simply annoyed. There is a fine line between helpful support and overprotectiveness. This fine line is very difficult to find. Generally speaking, one should not make too much of a fuss over the diabetes. Besides, teachers represent an example to all pupils, and should not treat diabetics as something out of the ordinary. It is important, in principle, to practice equality, without appearing indifferent.  

DPJ: How did your parents cope?

JZ: My parents busied themselves incredibly with learning about diabetes. In spite of the shock that they must have felt on diagnosis, they never made me feel as if my condition was a burden to them. They always supported me, educated me, and were very engaged. When I was younger, after a hefty day of sport, my father would get up in the middle of the night to ensure that I hadn’t become hypoglycaemic. Apart from that, they used to spend hours in the stadium patiently watching me. As I got older, of course, there was the inevitable spat or two. Who doesn’t know a teenager’s wrath when his concerned parents point out that he’s looking a little pale and should check his sugar levels!

DPJ: The German Physical Education Teacher’s Union Congress is soon to be held in Cologne. One of the main themes will be diabetes. How are things going?

JZ: At the present time, it is very good. I have managed to obtain Frau Dr. Seewi from the Cologne Uni Clinic, and the world kick boxing champion of many years, Anja Renfordt, as two very competent and compelling speakers, who are sure to attract and enlighten many participants.