After diagnosis you may be reluctant to let your child out of your sight to go to school. For you and your child’s sake it is a good time to encourage independence and adapt to diabetes.
To take this step you must feel comfortable that your child will be safe as well as happy.
You can ask your diabetes educator to visit the school to talk to the staff so that they in turn feel comfortable with the situation. The teachers are usually helpful and only too pleased to assist. There are many useful resources on this website to assist Teachers and Schools.
It’s safer for your child to remain in class to check their blood glucose level (BGL), rather than walking to the office. Otherwise their BGL will drop even lower and be harder to treat.
As you child gets older they may be embarrassed if you go to school to check their blood glucose level (BGL). Your child’s meter should be taken to school for them to test as necessary.
It is essential for you to provide one or two hypo kits for the school staff to store in a prominent, handy place. Remember to restock hypo kits regularly. A photograph of your child placed in the staff room with details of hypo symptoms is also helpful. An emergency action poster next to the photo, as a reminder, is a good idea.
Your child should wear some type of diabetes identification chain or bracelet. This habit is a good one to encourage at a young age as they may maintain the habit as they get older.
Encourage your child to speak up if feeling unwell. Friends and peers can be a great help at school.
Your child may be eligible for special provision for exams (e.g. Basic Skills Test in NSW for children in year 3 and 5). This may allow your child extra time and toilet or rest breaks. Discuss with your child’s school, well before the exam date.
For more information on diabetes at school please go to the Teachers and Schools page.
