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Children & Teens Home: Children | Teens | Type 2 Diabetes

School   Previous: Complications Next: Family issues

The staff at your child’s preschool or school MUST be told about your child’s diabetes. Ask at the office if there is a standard procedure for this, or meet with your child’s teacher(s), coaches, the principal, etc., either individually or as a group. Teachers and counselors should be told that low or high blood glucose levels may cause difficulties with concentration or irritability – which may affect a child’s performance in school.

The school must have a written plan for your child that clearly spells out:

  • When to check blood sugar and take insulin
  • Meal and snack times; avoiding delays and permitting extra snacks at different times from the other children if needed, especially in relation to exercise or sports activities
  • Preferred snacks and party foods
  • The symptoms of high and low blood sugar
  • Treatment for high and low blood sugar
  • Phone numbers for parents and other emergency contacts

The plan should clearly outline how your child’s special healthcare needs are going to be met and name one school staff member to be responsible for making sure they are met. The school may not change the plan without your approval.

There are now laws to ensure that children with diabetes are treated fairly at school and that his/her medical needs are met. They apply to all public schools and most private schools and day care centers.

In fact diabetes should not change any child's potential for academic achievement, success in other activities, or social integration. A positive attitude is far healthier and sets a better example for your child's long-term adjustment. Encourage full participation in all academic, social and sporting activities. Developing self-esteem and confidence in school activities is likely to have positive effects on the management of diabetes.

Make sure that babysitters, grandparents or other relatives, other caregivers, your child's Sunday school or music teacher, etc., are aware of your child's condition, particularly how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Brochures addressed to such individuals are available from the American Diabetes Association.

Related information: Diabetes resources | Local resources

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