Type 1 diabetes can be daunting, but the following tips will help schools support children with the condition more confidently.
Educate Yourself About Type 1 Diabetes
If a person has Type 1 diabetes, their body doesn't produce the hormone insulin. Children with the condition must either inject insulin several times a day or wear an insulin pump, check their blood glucose regularly and plan carefully around meals and physical activity. School staff can prepare for supervising a child with Type 1 with the aid of some supporting resources available via
Diabetes in schools - information for teachers & staff.
Listen to the Child and Their Family
Since every child's experience with Type 1 is different, it's important to ask the child and their family what managing their diabetes involves day to day, making careful note of what they say – even if you've looked after other children with the condition before.
Be Aware of Early Type 1 Diabetes Signs
As a member of school staff, you could be the first to spot the
early symptoms of type 1 diabetes. These are easily remembered as the 4Ts – 'toilet' (needing to pass urine frequently), 'thirsty', 'tired' and 'thinner' (losing weight). If you spot any of these signs, let the child's parent/carer know immediately and advise them to visit a doctor straight away.
Be Inclusive
Children with Type 1 have the right to be included in the same activities as their classmates, including overnight stays – but you will need to plan well in advance of any school trips and ensure that sufficient staff with appropriate expertise will be on hand to look after them.
Further guidance on this can be found via
School trips and diabetes - information for school staff.
Think About Food and Activity
Type 1 diabetes doesn't mean a child needs a special diet. No food is forbidden – they can eat just the same as any other child – but they will probably need help checking their blood sugar level, working out the dose and taking their insulin. Likewise, they can enjoy PE along with everyone else, but will likely need a snack or change in insulin dose beforehand, and perhaps extra food during or after the activity too.
Check the Child's Individual Healthcare Plan
All children with Type 1 diabetes should have an IHP that's updated at least every year, and more regularly if their diabetes management changes. Parents/carers, the child (where appropriate), a diabetes nurse specialist and school staff should all be involved in drawing up the IHP, which will detail what the child can do for themselves, what help they need, who will help them and when.
Be Flexible and Sensitive
Sometimes a child's diabetes management might not fit in to the standard school day. They might need to eat or inject at certain times, or take time out to treat a low or high blood sugar level. Be flexible in accommodating the individual child's needs, and be aware that many children don't like to be singled out or treated differently. Any conversations about their diabetes should be handled sensitively.
Be Alert for Emergencies
There will be times when the blood glucose of children with Type 1 is higher or lower than it should be. If spotted early, both situations can usually be quickly remedied; if left untreated, a child can become seriously unwell. Early signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, tired, going pale or losing concentration. Early signs of a high level include needing to pass urine, acute thirst and tiredness.