Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

CHANGES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN| 4-15

• Identifying symptoms of hypoglycemia, telling others about the low and treating it. • Instructing others about diabetes and advocating for the child’s right to good health. • Planning for sports and activities to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia; matching intake, exercise and insulin dosage. • Planning for nights spent away from home (sleepovers, camp). • Accommodating special events, such as parties or trips. • Helping the child begin to participate in his/her own care (e.g. insulin and testing) at an age appropriate level and with adult supervision. • Using constructive problem-solving when dealing with a child who has slipped or lapsed in the care of his or her diabetes (such as a “fudged” BG record from the child who wants to please). Diabetes in school Whether it be preschool, primary or high school, the average student will spend 30 to 35 hours a week in a school setting; this is more than half of their waking hours (44). How diabetes is handled while at school will have a significant impact on the child’s metabolic control and psychosocial health. The goal is to provide a safe environment for the child, accommodating their needs while allowing for full participation in the school curriculum (i.e. avoiding discrimination) (45-47). This can be achieved with planning, preparation and good communication between the parents, the school staff and the diabetes health-care (DHC) team. Each child should have an Individual Medical Care plan that outlines the child’s daily routine, their responsibilities and the equipment they need access to (47-49). A knowledgeable teaching staff will be able to deal with emergencies, including the recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia (44,47,49). There are several excellent resources and kits available which can assist the parents and teachers in their support of the child with diabetes in school (44-49). These resources are very inclusive and provide information on topics from the basics of diabetes to the discussion of pumps and CGM.