School with Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Navigating school life with type 1 diabetes can be manageable with proper planning and support. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding how diabetes care can be integrated into the school routine.
School Health Standards and Individualized Care
Most schools have specific guidelines for managing diabetes among students. These standards ensure that each child’s needs are met effectively. The diabetes care team, including doctors and nurses, collaborates with the school to create an Individualized Healthcare Provider Order for Students with Diabetes. This document outlines specific care instructions tailored to whether the student uses insulin injections or an insulin pump.
Parents play a crucial role by providing necessary supplies like insulin, glucose meters, and testing strips. Some students may keep a separate set of supplies at school, while others bring them from home daily. Devices like the Dexcom G5 CGM are approved for insulin dosing decisions, although caution is needed if the student has taken medications containing acetaminophen. However, newer models like the Dexcom G6 and Abbott FreeStyle Libre® are not affected by acetaminophen.
Key Forms and Checklists
To ensure comprehensive diabetes management at school, several forms and checklists are useful. These include:
- Individualized Health Plan – School Nurse Checklist: Details specific health needs and emergency protocols.
- Insulin Pumps in the School Setting: Guidelines for managing insulin pumps during school hours.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in the School: Instructions for using CGM devices at school.
- School Supply Checklist: Lists necessary supplies and emergency items.
These resources help school staff understand diabetes management protocols and ensure a safe environment for students.
Managing Emergencies at School
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): This is the most common emergency at school. If a child experiences low blood sugar, immediate treatment is necessary. The school should have supplies provided by the family for treating lows. It’s crucial for school personnel to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe hypoglycemia as outlined in Chapter 6 of diabetes management resources.
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): High blood sugar levels can also occur during school hours, especially due to stress, illness, or other factors. If blood sugar levels exceed 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) on two checks within an hour, urine or blood ketones should be checked. Increased restroom breaks may be necessary, and the student should be allowed as needed.
If ketone levels are moderate to large, or blood ketones exceed 1.0 mmol/L, parents and healthcare team should be contacted for instructions on how to treat the student.
With proper planning, communication, and support from school staff and healthcare providers, managing type 1 diabetes at school can be safe and successful. Regular updates and training for school personnel ensure that they are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Together, families, healthcare teams, and schools can create an environment where students with diabetes thrive both academically and health-wise.