Services and Programs
Pediatric Endocrinology
Resources for Managing Diabetes - Ten
Tips for Teachers
- Every child living with diabetes is different.
Each and every child living with diabetes may have different
symptoms of "low" blood sugar. Although many of the
symptoms may be similar, they will not always be the same. Situations
that can affect your student's blood sugar are: insulin, food
intake, exercise, illness, stress and/or any changes in routine.
Soon you will get to know your own student's unique individuality
and their typical reactions to "low" blood sugar.
- Don't draw unnecessary attention to your student's condition.
Since your student living with diabetes may have to eat snacks
periodically in the classroom, allow the whole class to have
a snack at the necessary time. This tells the student who must
have a snack that it is okay to eat when he or she needs to,
without singling them out as being "different." In
addition to your student's designated snack time, remember that
he or she must eat when ever they feel "low."
This is imperative, especially if the student is unable to have
their blood sugar checked first by the school nurse. This is
not a choice for the child living with diabetes,
but a necessity!
- Provide inconspicuous and gentle reminders.
Pay close attention to your student's regular snack time. Not
all children (especially the very young) can tell time, or are
going to remember their snack time. If you have not noticed
them eating, pass them a note or work out a special "password"
between the two of you which reminds them of their snack time.
- Do not put a "label" on the student living
with diabetes.
Never single out a child living with diabetes as the "diabetic"
kid. First and foremost, the child living with diabetes needs
and wants to feel unique and special, just like every other
student in your class.
- Do not sympathize. Empathize.
A child with diabetes does not want or need your sympathy.
These children need understanding, acceptance and support. Educate
yourself in every way possible regarding diabetes. Learn how
it may affect them and have compassion for how they must live
their lives each and every day.
- Always be prepared.
Always carry a quick and portable snack whenever you and your
student living with diabetes leave the classroom or the school
grounds. This is especially important during fire drills, earthquake
drills, field trips, special presentations, and/or assemblies.
A small can of juice together with crackers may work best.
- Use the buddy system.
If your student living with diabetes tells you he or she feels
"low" and needs to see the nurse always send a "buddy"
(someone who won't object) with them. In rare instances, the
child's blood sugar may be so "low" that they may
become disoriented and not make it to the nurse's office if
left alone. Again, this is the rare extreme, but it does happen.
- Allow unrestricted bathroom breaks.
When given the opportunity, let the child living with diabetes
know that it is okay to go to the bathroom whenever necessary.
If their blood sugar is running "high," their body's
natural response is to eliminate the extra glucose by using
the bathroom. Don't make them feel embarrassed by having to
ask you for permission.
- Be patient.
Be patient if the student living with diabetes has minor problems
with organization. "High" and/or "low" blood
sugar levels may make it difficult for them to concentrate at
times. You may have to repeat some things, especially if they've
been to the nurse's office during class time.
- Keep the lines of communication open.
Always work together with the student, caregivers, school nurse
and other educators as a team player. If there is a special
school party or occasion where "treats" are to be
served, let the family know in advance, if possible. This allows
the family to discuss the options with the child so that he
or she can make responsible choices. Often, many "treats"
can be worked into the child's regular meal plan.
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