Children with diabetes follow a carbohydrate meal plan. A doctor’s order will be sent to school with the child’s carbohydrate needs. Teachers, lunchroom workers, and childcare workers need to know the child's needs.
The child may pick foods from the normal lunch menu or bring their own lunch. It is best if the carbohydrate for all foods is printed on the monthly lunch menu. Then parents and students can plan ahead.
Some children may also need mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon snacks. Many children will take extra carbohydrate before an active time to prevent low blood sugars.
For younger children, an adult needs to make sure the child eats all the carbohydrate. If they do not eat all of it, give them another food with the same amount of carbohydrate.
By planning ahead, children can often join in all school parties that have special treats.
Blood sugar checking
The blood sugar is a guide as to the amount of insulin a child with diabetes needs. A blood sugar is always checked before a meal. A doctor’s order will be sent to school with the times a blood sugar should be checked.
All blood sugars checked at school should be sent home to the parents each day.
Responsible older students may want to carry their blood sugar checking supplies with them so they can check blood sugars in the classroom. The diabetes health care team can help identify which students would benefit from carrying their own supplies.
In the event of a school “lockdown,” keep quick-acting carbohydrate in all classrooms.
In the event of a fire or tornado drill or real event, an adult should be assigned to carry quick-acting carbohydrate for the student.
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