diabetes

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : June : 12

diabetes
By Helen

My so has had diabetes since he was 5. He's 14 now. Anyhow, my best advice is to keep in close contact with the parent. There is nothing scarier than going into a classroom and feeling that the teacher knows nothing about
your child's disease. I went through that in his 5th grade year. His teacher was unwilling to learn about diabetes, she said it was the nurse's job. Fortunately, the nurse kept in close contact. Ask the parent questions, no matter how silly they sound. If snacks are required, may I suggest that everyone gets a snack? That way the child isn't singled out. Find out about class parties

and if there are restrictions. For my son, he was allowed the cupcake occasionally, he just had to adjust the insulin at noontime. It helps if you can give a parent advance warning of special events. ALWAYS have a sugar supply close by. The smallest size juice boxes are perfect. Above all, if the child seems "not normal" send him to the nurse immediately with a buddy. Let him do a blood glucose test. My son's teacher thought he was trying to get out of a test and would not send him once. His blood glucose was 35 (100 is normal). He failed the test and nearly passed out. We let it be known that better not ever happen again. Parents are willing to work with teachers, but when teachers do something like that, parents have every right to be upset. I don't think my son, or anyone with diabetes would use it as a way to get out of things. For the most part they want to be as normal as possible. If you have any questions, please e-mail me. I have a wealth of info. just not enough space to give it to you.