Type 1 Diabetes – Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School

School TimeWith back-to-school time just around the corner, parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes should be having some important conversations with their children about how to handle the condition. Here are some tips to help you talk to your child about Type 1 Diabetes:

Explain the Condition
Your child probably knows about his or her Type 1 Diabetes. However, as your child ages, he or she may start to have more questions about why he or she must eat differently than his or her peers. His or her friends may also start to ask questions about the condition that could be hard for your child to answer. Therefore, explain to your child what Type 1 Diabetes is in a way that he or she will be able to friends in order to help them understand. By understanding the condition, your child can make healthy choices and feel more comfortable around friends at school.

What Your Child Can't Eat and Can EatWrong Foods
Part of Type 1 Diabetes management involves keeping a careful watch over what the Diabetic eats. Therefore, explain to your child what foods are allowable and what foods might not work well with his or her system. Your child should also understand why he or she should not trade food with friends during lunch because of his or her special dietary restrictions.

How to Administer Medication and What to do When Feeling Sick
Insulin Time

However, if your child starts to feel ill at any time throughout the day, it is important for your child to know how to notify the nurse or his or her teacher. Show your child how to read his or her blood glucose meter and how to lie down if he or she starts to feel faint. Understanding the symptoms of an illness is the best way to get help quickly.

Notify the School
Your child's school should be aware of your child's Type 1 Diabetes. You will have an opportunity to notify the school on your child's health form at the beginning of the school year, but it is also a good idea to speak directly with your child's teacher. Teachers and school officials should be aware of the symptoms of the illness that require immediate attention, such as light-headedness, lethargy, and fainting. They should also help to ensure that the student receives medication on a regular basis, as determined the student's medical schedule.