Diabetes and school

A child with type 1 diabetes is just like any other child in the classroom.
However, it is important that a school has sufficient knowledge about type 1 diabetes in children. Most children in grade 4 and above already know well how to manage their diabetes.

Younger children sometimes need more help with diabetes care at school.

GoOD TO KNOW

It is important that there is consultation between parents and the school of a child with type 1 diabetes.

Each year, Diabeter organizes a webinar specifically for teachers who have a child with type 1 diabetes in their classroom.

A presentation is a fun way to share with classmates what type 1 diabetes is.

The Zorgeloos naar School Foundation is committed to ensuring a carefree time in primary school for children with a chronic illness.

Making good arrangements

A child with type 1 diabetes can attend school just like any other child in the classroom. Sometimes, however, a child may need help with tasks related to managing blood glucose, such as using an insulin pump or a glucose sensor. It’s helpful when the school thinks along about how best to support the child.

That’s why it’s important for parents of a child with type 1 diabetes to consult with the school. This helps teachers better understand what diabetes means for children. What should you do during a hypo? How can you read a blood sugar value from the sensor or meter? A teacher’s knowledge of these things can ease the burden for both you and your child.

Topics like treats and sports activities are also good to discuss. This way, the school can help ensure a school experience that’s as carefree as possible for a child with type 1 diabetes.

It’s important to repeat this conversation over the years. As a child grows older, they become more capable of managing things themselves. From grade 4 or 5 onward, children with type 1 diabetes often already know how to regulate their blood glucose and administer insulin via an insulin pump.

Webinar for teachers

It is incredibly helpful when teachers have knowledge about type 1 diabetes. That’s why we regularly organize webinars specifically for teachers. Every teacher who has a child in their class that is being treated at Diabeter is welcome to join.

During this webinar, teachers receive general information about type 1 diabetes. We also explain how diabetes treatment works nowadays. In addition, we cover practical topics such as treats, sports, and school trips. Of course, we also discuss what teachers should and shouldn’t do when glucose levels are high or low. There is also time for questions.

This year’s webinar took place on: Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Presentation on diabetes

Giving a presentation about type 1 diabetes can be fun! It’s a great way to explain what the disease is. A child with type 1 diabetes can use the presentation to explain what they need to do to keep their blood glucose balanced. Through the presentation, children learn about low and high blood sugar levels and how someone can manage them.

Diabetesvereniging Nederland (DVN) has created a step-by-step guide. It outlines what you can tell classmates about type 1 diabetes, for example during a presentation. DVN also shares general information about type 1 diabetes that you can use to prepare your talk. You can choose what you want to share and what not. Check it out on the DVN website.

Carefree school life with diabetes

The Zorgeloos naar School Foundation supports parents and schools when a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Diabeter was one of the first partners to support this foundation, which was then called Zorgeloos met Diabetes naar School. The foundation has helped raise awareness in politics and education about how important it is that every child can attend school without worries. Diabetes in children should not make a difference in this.

Zorgeloos naar School provides important information for parents of children with type 1 diabetes, the children themselves, primary schools, and secondary schools. On their website, they share tips and practical information to help make it possible for children with diabetes to attend school worry-free.
Check it out on the Zorgeloos naar School website.