As a parent of a diabetic child, you constantly worry about your child’s well-being and blood sugar control to prevent the complications of diabetes, a disease identified by high blood sugar levels.

Poor sugar control increases the likelihood of developing complications such as heart, kidney and eye site problems. Your family and child must follow closely the plan that your doctor, with your assistance developed to maintain your child’s blood sugar levels close to normal. This plan should also be used in the school setting for peak learning.

To achieve and maintain blood sugar control, your child with the help of the school staff must:

• Check blood sugars according to your doctor’s orders to prevent low or high blood sugar levels
• Monitor the amount of food to eat
• Take medications as needed
• Participate in physical activity to achieve or maintain an adequate weight. Obesity contributes to developing diabetes.

Make sure that you and your health care team work together to provide the school system and day care providers with the information necessary to allow your child to participate fully and safely at school.  A diabetes medical management plan should include this information.   The school staff that will interact with your child including administrators, nurses, coaches, aids, bus drivers, and secretaries should receive diabetes information and training.

Learn about your rights guaranteed by Federal Law, diabetes medical management plans, & school’s staff responsibilities through my video, Jing video – http://screencast.com/t/h11lTG2omg9.

References:

NIH, NIDDK, Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed:  A Guide for School Personnel, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/ndep/health-professionals/helping-student-diabetes-succeed-guide-school-personnel,  updated 02/04/2019

NIH, NIDDK, Tools for Effective Diabetes Management, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/ndep/health-professionals/helping-student-diabetes-succeed-guide-school-personnel/tools-for-effective-diabetes-management, updated 02/04/2019