General Information

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body's ability to use food properly. Food is converted into sugar or glucose that is used for energy with the help of the hormone insulin. With diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Therefore, food cannot be used properly for energy, and blood sugar levels rise.

Children with diabetes usually have Type 1 or juvenile diabetes and require daily insulin injections. However, it is becoming more common for some children to be diagnosed with Type 2 or Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).

A balance of insulin, food and exercise must be maintained to prevent blood sugar levels from being either too high or too low. Students with diabetes are able and encouraged to participate in all student activities. For activity restrictions see the A balance of insulin, food and exercise must be maintained to prevent blood sugar levels from being either too high or too low. Students with diabetes are able and encouraged to participate in all student activities. For activity restrictions see the Exercise and Sports section.

Recurrent illnesses or requests to be excused from class should be carefully evaluated by the student, guardians, school staff and physician. REGULAR CLASS ATTENDANCE SHOULD BE EXPECTED.

Treatment Goals

1. To maintain normal childhood/adolescent growth and development.
2. To avoid short- and long-term complications of diabetes.
3. To maintain balance of food, exercise and insulin.

Specific information you should know about each child with diabetes:

1. What is student's target blood glucose range?
2. Does student wear an insulin pump?
3. Does student need an insulin injection during the school day?
4. Can student give herself the insulin?
5. Does she need to be supervised when taking insulin?
6. What type(s) of insulin and other medication does she use?
7. What are her “dose times” during and after school?