Taking Care of Diabetes at School
Keep a stock of medications, testing equipment, and other supplies at school. You'll need the same supplies and equipment that you use at home. You'll probably need to keep these in the school nurse's office, but your school may want you to store them somewhere else. Ask the principal's office what your school's policy is.
Keep a copy of your diabetes management plan with you. Even if your school has your plan, it's good to keep one in your purse, backpack, locker, or car as well. If you run into any diabetes problems at school or start having symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, do what your plan tells you to do. That may mean having a snack, checking your blood glucose levels, or heading to the nurse's office — whatever your plan says.
Prepare to handle different situations. What if the school nurse isn't in? Is there someone else who can help? Who do you call if something unexpected happens — your doctor or your parent? Which kinds of problems can wait until after school and which ones should you handle right away?
Ask your doctor what you need to know about managing diabetes in school and how to handle special situations. Write down what you should do and who you should go to and keep this information with your management plan. Knowing what to do can help you feel more confident if you do have a problem at school.
Talking to Friends and Classmates
It's your call whether you tell friends and classmates about your diabetes. If they know, it can mean less worry for you about what they think when they see you doing things like leaving class to go to the nurse's office for a blood sugar level check.
But what about teasing? Some kids will tease anyone who seems the slightest bit different from anyone else. If this happens to you, you're definitely not alone: About 1 in 3 kids and teens with problems like diabetes have had to deal with bullying.
What can you do when people tease you? Get your friends' help to remind people that diabetes is no big deal. Ignoring a bully is a good strategy too. Bullies thrive on the reaction they get, and if you walk away, you're telling the bully that you just don't care. Sooner or later the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.
It may also help to talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or friend — anyone who can give you the support you need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and frustrations that can build when you're being bullied.
Whatever happens, though, don't try to hide your condition by skipping treatments or eating foods that aren't on your meal plan — it'll just make you feel worse and risk getting sick at school./p>
Date reviewed: August 2013