During the Diabetes in School Health April session, school personnel discussed the complexities of translating clinic-issued Diabetes Care Plans into practical school-based support. A key challenge is determining how much independence a student should have, as clinic orders often lack clarity on this point.
Key insights for schools
- Individualization is essential: Each student manages diabetes differently, regardless of age. All students may require help during illness or hypoglycemia—always ensure they are escorted if sent to the nurse.
- Family communication is critical: Encourage families to discuss their child’s level of independence with their clinic team to better align school expectations.
- Different perspectives are normal: Families may have differing priorities (e.g., avoiding highs vs. lows). Understanding their motivations fosters empathy and improves collaboration.
- Flexibility is necessary: Diabetes self-management is not static; even independent students may need more support at times.
The ultimate goal is to support student health while minimizing disruption to learning and social engagement.
