Starting a new school year is exciting. But if your child has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it may feel a bit overwhelming. You may worry about how they’ll manage blood sugar checks, insulin and daily routines without you there to help.
There’s a lot to think about but fortunately we have some tips that can help. We spoke with Rachel Calendo, CPNP, CDCES, diabetes program manager for Banner Children’s, who shares resources and strategies to ensure your child has a safe and supportive school experience.
1. Build a school care plan
A strong care plan sets the foundation for a safe and successful school year. One of the most important steps is creating a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) with your child’s diabetes care team.
The DMMP outlines:
- Blood sugar (glucose) monitoring schedule
- Insulin doses and administration
- Symptoms of high and low blood sugar
- Emergency procedures and contacts
“Request the DMMP (also known as school orders) early,” Calendo said. “Getting these orders at the last medical visit before school starts again is helpful. You can ask your child’s provider to keep a copy in the medical record, so if the school loses it can easily be printed again."
2. Partner with school staff
You may also want to work with the school to set up a 504 plan. The 504 plan is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects people from discrimination. Under this law, diabetes is considered a disability so schools must help students with diabetes by making special accommodations. Families usually create a 504 Plan to ensure the school meets these needs.
Schedule a meeting with the people who can help create the best 504 plan for your child. This may include a 504 coordinator, the school nurse, your child’s teachers, the principal or vice principal and a school guidance counselor or social worker. Your goal is to review your child’s eligibility and write a plan.
“The school is your partner in your child’s education and well-being during the school day,” Calendo said. “Ask for reasonable accommodations that pertain to your child’s specific situation.”
These accommodations may include:
- The ability to check blood sugar and take insulin in the classroom
- Trained staff who can help administer insulin and glucagon
- Extra time on tests if glucose levels are affecting concentration
- Permission to carry snacks and water
- Access to the nurse’s office whenever needed
After you and the school staff sign your child’s 504 plan, keep a copy of the documents in writing or by email.
If you are having difficulties putting a 504 plan in place at your child’s school, the ADA has legal advocacy staff who can help. For questions, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
3. Update the plan annually or as needed
While a 504 plan should be updated annually, you can make changes anytime. For example, if your child learns to give themselves insulin injections midway through the year, you can make that update. It’s recommended you have representatives sign the updated document.
“It is important to keep up with the 504 plan annually, even if you feel all is going smoothly,” Calendo said. “This plan can follow your child to college. It may be helpful to have a precedent set for requested accommodations.”
If you move to a new school district, meet with the school and share the current 504 plan. Administration will most likely comply with the plan in place or you may need to rework it entirely.
4. Plan for meals and snacks
Food plays an important role in glucose control but sometimes school can add some challenges. Whether your child brings a packed lunch or eats in the cafeteria, create a plan for healthy eating.
- Pack meals that include a balance of protein, healthy fats and fiber to prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Work with school cafeteria staff to ensure your child can access carb-counted meals.
- Provide a stockpile of snacks (like granola bars, nuts or fruit) for emergency low blood sugar situations.
- Keep fast-acting glucose sources (juice boxes or glucose tablets) in classrooms, lockers or backpacks.
For college students, dining halls and irregular meal schedules can be tricky. Encourage your teen to read nutrition labels, plan ahead and always carry snacks when on the go.
5. Teach independence at the right pace
As children grow, they should gradually take on more responsibility for their diabetes care. However, this transition should be based on their age, maturity level and confidence in managing their condition.
- Young children: They rely on you entirely and may need reminders to communicate if they feel funny or unwell.
- Elementary-aged kids: They can begin recognizing symptoms of highs and lows and start participating in simple diabetes tasks, like checking their blood sugar with supervision.
- Middle and high schoolers can practice self-care by learning how to adjust insulin for physical activity, problem-solve glucose level changes and advocate for themselves in school.
- College students: When they leave for college, your child should have full control of their diabetes care, including ordering supplies, managing prescriptions and handling unexpected situations like illness or stress.
Encourage your college-aged student to connect with the College Diabetes Network (CDN). The organization helps students connect with others who understand the challenges of living with diabetes while pursuing a college degree. The CDN offers resources for managing diabetes in college and tips for balancing academics, activities and self-care.
6. Prepare for sports, recess and activities
Physical activity is great for kids with diabetes but it can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Whether it’s PE, recess or after-school sports, make sure your child and their teachers and coaches know how to manage diabetes during exercise.
- Check glucose before and after physical activity.
- Have fast-acting glucose on hand to prevent or treat lows.
- Teach your child to recognize symptoms of glucose changes during exercise.
- Encourage hydration since dehydration can impact blood sugar levels.
- For high school and college athletes, work with a coach, athletic trainer or health care provider to adjust insulin doses and meal timing based on their sport’s intensity.
Takeaway
Going back to school after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming but with the right preparation and communication your child can have a safe, happy and successful year.
- Work with the school to create a diabetes care plan.
- Teach your child age-appropriate independence in managing their condition.
- Plan meals, snacks and physical activities to avoid glucose swings.
Most importantly, remind your child that they are not alone. Many kids, teens and adults successfully manage type 1 diabetes at school every day. With the right support system and extra preparation, they can focus on learning, growing and enjoying school like any other student.
