Treatment for diabetes is continuous and demanding for the child and family.
- Parents know their child's medical needs better than anyone. Discuss with the parents any special requirements for your student's diabetes daily management.
- Educate all staff on signs and symptoms of a student suffering hypoglycaemia or high blood glucose levels and how to provide immediate treatment.
- Timing of the intake of food is essential to maintain blood glucose level. Meals cannot be missed or delayed if an activity is taking longer than expected.
- Ensure any disciplinary measures given to the student do not impact on routine eating times.
- When planning for sporting games, excursions and school camps ensure the necessary food and drink breaks are provided.
- Make sure all staff are aware of the student's condition and their Diabetes Action Plan and know what to do in the case of an emergency, while at all times respecting the child's privacy.
- Ensure all staff are informed about diabetes explaining it is not contagious or infectious.
- Allow student to use the bathroom when a request is made. For older students consider a system where they can indicate the need to leave the room to use the facilities without always interrupting and asking permission.
- Keep younger student's ‘hypo' kit in a readily accessible position e.g. in the classroom and with the child at all times. Have a supply of quick acting sugar-containing drink or food readily available for the students to use e.g. in the playground.
- Ensure older students carry their ‘hypo' kit at all times and during sporting or physical activities.
- Provide a private area for the student to test his/her blood glucose levels and inject insulin if required.
- Inform parents of any ‘hypos' or ‘high levels' that have occurred during the school day.
- Encourage regular, informal contact with the student's parents and listen to their concerns, especially about school excursions and outings. A communication book is a good idea – it reassures both parent and teacher.
- While a student should participate in PE lessons, staff need to realise the student's blood glucose level may decline while exercising.
- Never send a child with diabetes to sick bay alone.
- If the child vomits at school it is a danger signal that he/she may have fluctuating blood glucose levels. Contact the parent or doctor immediately.
Additional information
For more information on diabetes, download the guides below:
Ronald McDonald Learning Program
Ronald McDonald Learning Program offers Professional Development for teachers providing information and educational strategies that can be applied to children with a diverse range of illnesses. EdMed, a one hour professional development session accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers can be arranged for schools for free, to help teaching staff.
To apply for EdMed, visit the Ronald McDonald Learning Program website.
