While at school, children may need help with the management of their diabetes care programs. I remember those days in elementary school, sitting in the nurses office, dazed and confused, sipping on my little juice box. I don't recall ever checking my sugars while at school. But that was back in the 80s. Nowadays, those who are sanctioned to care for your child's diabetes at school must meet a few mandates. For the record, your principal or local board of education can tell you the diabetes care policies of your school.

A few question you may want to ask are: where they are permitted to test their blood sugar (classroom, gym or cafeteria), where are they permitted to administer injections (are needles allowed anywhere outside of the nurses office), location of storage areas for diabetes supplies, the level of diabetes management the school personnel may administer to your child (may they give injections or prick fingers for blood samples), and the rules regarding disposal of syringes and lancets.

The American Diabetes Association developed guidelines that schools and day care providers should enforce for adequate care for diabetics enrolled in their program. These guidelines include: personnel trained on the symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (including blood sugar and ketone testing), immediate access to testing supplies, privacy for diabetes management, permission for student to treat hypoglycemia anywhere it occurs, permission to miss school without consequences for required medical appointments, and access to fluids (such as water) when necessary.

A handbook (88 pages) is available for download from the BD Diabetes Learning Center. Parents and school personnel can educate themselves on Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed. This is a definite A for effort, BD. Gold Star!