A person with diabetes must manage this chronic illness all the time, including during the school day. Staff such as nurses, teachers, and coaches can work with you and your child on managing diabetes. This assistance may include helping your child take medications, check blood sugar levels, choose healthy foods in the cafeteria, and be physically active.
These key tips can help your child get ready for the first day of school and for the rest of the school year.
Create a diabetes management plan with the school
Meet with staff early in the school year to learn more about how the school helps students care for diabetes and handles any diabetes-related emergencies. Public schools and schools that receive federal funding are prohibited from discriminating against people with diabetes by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Work with your child’s doctor and school staff to create a Diabetes Medical Management Plan. Having a plan helps your child and school workers manage diabetes in school and during extracurricular activities such as field trips or sports. Include information on services the school will provide and how to recognize high and low blood sugar levels. Your child may need assistance with giving insulin and checking blood sugar levels, and also may need to eat snacks in the classroom. For more information, visit Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel.
Give the school staff a list of contacts for your child, including physicians and emergency contacts.
Source: CDC
