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2006-09-04
Did you know that you spend roughly one-third of your waking hours in school? At least. And that's not counting before- and after-school activities.
Handling diabetes during school time can be one of your biggest challenges. And how you handle it can make all the
difference in whether your experience is good or not so good.
These tips will help you get the year off to a smooth start.
1. Stay Supplied. Make sure you have all the supplies you need at school. Keep strips in their original vials and not in a plastic baggie or other container, which can cause them to deteriorate. "If you don't have a second meter to leave at school, talk to your educator," Sherry says. Sometimes, through special offers, you can get one.
2. Give Kits for Low Blood Sugar and Emergency to Your School. Include items you're most comfortable using—like glucose tabs or juice boxes—and complex carbohydrates, such as packets of cheese and crackers. Your parents should include a written note from your physician telling when and how to give glucagon. At least one person at the school should be able to administrate it.
3. Wear Your Medic Alert I.D. These are especially important for activities outside of school, where people might not be aware that you have diabetes. Wear a necklace under your shirt if you are self-conscious, or try a Medic Alert ankle bracelet!
4. Pre-Plan for School Parties. Discuss your options with your doctor and parents beforehand. "Remember that you always have choices," says Sherry.
5. Get Your Parents and Teachers Together. In addition to the other topics here, they should discuss field trips, strenuous activity or exercise, when your parents should be contacted, and any other special needs.
6. Print out this form and share it with your teacher, principal, school nurse, or coach. Sit down with your parents before school starts and fill it out. It tells what to do in case you have low blood sugar, whom to contact in case of an emergency, and any special instructions you might have. Make copies to give to all the adults who might need this information.
7. Buy it or Bag it?
Tough decision! Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
8. Sometimes Things Can Go Wrong
Here are some ways to stay in control.
When Things Go Wrong
First, it helps if your friends know about your diabetes and are involved in your management routine. A good friend can be invaluable—to stick up for you if need be, to help in an emergency, or to serve as moral support and help you stay on track.
The moment a problem arises (a snack is not allowed, for example), tell your parents. They should pay a visit to the teacher and principal to describe the problem and what should happen next time instead. "Utilize a problem-solving approach to come up with a solution that works for you and others in the classroom," says nurse Ruth E. Lundstrom. "Often when the teacher has a better understanding of diabetes, he or she may be less frightened of allowing special needs to be met."
Know your rights. If problems continue, have a doctor write a letter about your diabetes needs. If the problems get to the point where you feel you are at a last resort, you and your family may have to obtain an attorney, who can contact your school.
If you are confronted by an adult, stay calm and don't overreact. If a teacher asks about a device such as an insulin pump, keep your voice low and steady and explain what it is. Or, to avoid a scene, you could try, "Please take me to the nurse's office so I can show you that this is a medical device I must wear," in hopes of quickly and quietly leaving the area without making a big scene.
Don't Sweat It!
Now that you're ready, the most important news is the best news: More students experience positive school situations than nightmares. Most of you will enjoy fantastic support from classmates, teachers, school nurses, and principals.
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