Teen-agers, in particular, may become impatient with caring for their disease, so managing diabetes can be a tough balancing act. Parents need to work with their children to keep diabetes under control, and this requires both education and practice. Working closely with both doctors and diabetes educators will help you manage the disease by creating a successful partnership with your child. With the help of an adult, older children can learn how to manage their own condition. Children with diabetes do not generally need special medical attention.
Most schools allow children to get their blood sugar tests and insulin shots at school.
However, a student who needs to be on a regimen of blood testing, insulin injections, and a special eating schedule to control diabetes may raise issues for some schools. It's important to meet with teachers and other school staff to discuss your child's needs. Many health organizations, such as Children with Diabetes, offer excellent resources to parents and teachers on caring for children with diabetes at school. This Web site is a free resource for everyone in Minnesota. Links to certain services are available only to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members.