Diabetes Management

If your child has diabetes (Type 1 or 2), it is important to communicate pertinent information regarding your child’s health status and care with your school nurse. Your school nurse will develop an Individualized Healthcare Plan and an Emergency Action Plan for your child, if needed. This plan will be shared with school staff on a “need to know” basis. You play a vital role in the process of developing a school plan that is best for your child.

Here is how you can help:

Make sure you complete the School Nurse Health Information Card (Emergency Card) each school year and include the following:
1. Your child’s health problems (diabetes 1 or 2)
2. All possible emergency contact phone numbers– make sure to keep numbers current!
3. All the medicine your child takes (include any home medications)
4. The name and phone number of your child’s doctor
Make sure a current Doctor's Order form is on file with the school nurse for any medications that need to be given at school. Medication and treatments cannot be given until all orders have been received by the school nurse.
Make sure your child follows their plan of care at home. It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, especially what time of day and how much medicine your child should take. Don’t let the prescription run out! If you have trouble paying for your prescription, notify your school nurse to see if he or she can find a resource to help you.
Meet with the school nurse and teacher(s) to discuss the specific treatment plan and return the Individual Health Plan and Emergency Action Plan (school nurse will send home for your review and approval) as soon as possible.
Supplies needed at a school in order to keep your child healthy and safe include a glucose meter, blood glucose test strips, finger stick device and lancets, insulin, ketostix for urine checks, glucose tabs and gel (or cake mate), Glucagon IM injection and snacks. If your child has an insulin pump, please provide back up syringes and insulin.
If you would like for your child to self-medicate and/or self monitor, please have the health care provider fill in the appropriate information on the above insulin order forms indicating that your child has been trained and is competent to self-medicate and monitor. Other forms needed on file are the Parent and Student Agreement form and return to the school nurse.