Making Sure That School Is A Safe Environment For Kids With Diabetes

Getting back into a regular school routine takes a tad more preparation for kids with childhood diabetes. However, it pays off over and over while the weeks and months pass by. Because kids generally spend about half their waking hours in their schools, optimum diabetes care during the school day truly matters.

Some older students are quite comfortable getting their blood sugar levels tested, being injected with insulin, and adjusting insulin levels even if they are using an insulin pump. That said, younger students and those with a recent diagnosis of diabetes will require help with everyday diabetes care.

In an ideal scenario, all teachers and school staff would easily understand the management of diabetes so that they could provide the much-needed support to your child. However, in the real world, you would need to provide info to the school and work with staff members to keep your child safe and healthy, regardless of what the school day brings.

Coming Up With A Diabetes Medical Management Plan

No two kids manage their childhood diabetes in precisely the same way. Prior to commencement of the new academic year, you need to meet the healthcare team of your child for the development of a personalised diabetes medical management plan or (DMMP). After the plan has been developed, you need to visit your child’s school and successfully review the DMMP with the principal, school nurse, office secretary, teachers, nutrition service manager, and other staff members who are responsible for your child’s health and safety during and after school hours.

The DMMP provides an in-depth explanation about diabetes management as well as treatment, including:

• Targeted blood sugar range and whether your child needs additional help while checking his or her blood sugar levels
• Identifying hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) symptoms and treating it
• Usage of insulin and other medications
• Meal and snacking options, even for special events
• Management of physical activity and sports

The DMMP works with your child’s everyday needs and routine. Make it a point to update it each year or whenever there is a change to the treatment plan.

Prepare A Diabetes Checklist

• Come up with a backpack checklist that you and your child can use daily to ensure all necessary supplies are successfully packed:

• Blood glucose meter with extra batteries, lancets, and testing strips

• Ketone-testing supplies

• Insulin and pens/syringes (include these for a backup even if you use an insulin pump

• Water

• Antiseptic wipes

• Glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbohydrates such as hard candy or fruit juice to treat low blood sugar

• Prepare a hypo box with the name of your child on it for the school office in the event of hypoglycaemia.

In addition, make sure that your child:

• Wears a medical ID bracelet or necklace each day
• Tests blood glucose levels according to the pre-determined schedule; older students can successfully set mobile reminders
• Knows when and where to go for blood glucose testing when the need arises
• Knows who to approach for help in the event of hypoglycaemia

Be it sports, field trips, or special events, kids with diabetes can engage in all. 

Creating A Hypo Box

When it comes to treating low blood sugar levels, keep a go-to box of essential supplies in the school office or nurse’s office and probably another one in the classroom, if possible. Write your child’s name on the label and ensure that stocks do not run out. Some of the essential items in a hypo box include:

• Glucagon
• Lancets
• Test strips
• Blood glucose monitor
• Glucose tablets
• Crackers
• Juice boxes

Stay Well Throughout The Year

• Ensure that your child has taken all recommended shots, including the flu shot. Kids with childhood diabetes can get extremely sick from the flu and stay sicker for longer durations. Being in a sick condition can make it harder to monitor blood sugar levels.

• Regular washing of the hands, especially prior to eating and after using the bathroom, is by far the best way to prevent falling sick and spreading germs to others.

On A Final Note

When adequate care and measures are undertaken to manage childhood diabetes in kids during school hours, you can breathe easy as a parent. That said, you need to come up with a diabetes medical management plan or DMMP. In addition, you need to work in association with your child’s teachers and school nurse. It is important to know that your child can engage in all sporting activities and field trips when the management of diabetes is optimum.

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/managing-diabetes-at-school.html