New school year? Time to update diabetes management plans for school students
The start of a new school year is a critical time for children living with diabetes. Each year, students need updated diabetes management plans to ensure their safety and support their full participation in school life.
Health professionals play a pivotal role in equipping families and schools with the tools and knowledge necessary to create a safe and inclusive environment for students with diabetes.
What are diabetes management plans?
A diabetes management plan is a comprehensive document that outlines a child’s daily diabetes management needs, such as taking insulin, monitoring blood glucose levels, and treating high or low blood glucose levels. These plans provide a roadmap for school staff, helping them understand their roles and responsibilities in supporting the student.
For students with diabetes, a personalised and up-to-date management plan helps to ensure:
- Safety at school: Clear guidelines help school staff respond promptly to blood glucose fluctuations.
- Full participation: Students can engage in all school activities, both in the classroom and during outdoor activity, without unnecessary restrictions.
- Collaboration: The plan includes recommendations from the student’s clinical treating team, fostering confidence among parents, carers, and school staff.
Diabetes Australia provides templates for school management plans that can be used collaboratively by the student, their healthcare team, parents and school staff.
Diabetes action plans: Managing emergencies
A diabetes management plan is an essential document that guides how schools can support students to learn and participate fully in their school experience. The plan should include a diabetes action plan that focuses on urgent care for blood glucose levels outside the target range.
These action plans detail how to manage hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) and hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose), ensuring that school staff can respond effectively to emergencies.
Tools and resources for schools and families
You can encourage parents and schools to visit the Diabetes Australia website for up-to-date templates, guidelines, and educational resources. These tools empower schools to provide the best possible care and support for students with diabetes.
- Diabetes Australia management plans: diabetes management and action templates streamline the process of creating management and action plans.
- Information for kids and teens: information, resources and videos specifically created for kids
- Diabetes in Schools program: a nationally consistent program and online resource designed to support parents, school staff and health professionals to help students with type 1 diabetes thrive at school.
- NDSS Diabetes Youth Zone: a dedicated space for young people living with diabetes, offering valuable information and support.
- Looking after a child with diabetes: an online course for family, friends, babysitters and nannies who are responsible for looking after a child with type 1 diabetes.
As a health professional, your guidance and expertise are invaluable in ensuring that students with diabetes start the school year prepared and supported. By updating management plans, providing education, and advocating for inclusive practices, you contribute to a safer, more supportive school environment for these students.