Going back to school can be tough on everyone as parents worrying about clothes and supplies and their children have to say goodbye to summer and get back in the routine of the classroom.
It can be even tougher for students with diabetes — and more complicated for their parents, teachers, school nurses and administrators.
That's a lot of challenges in Los Angeles, with its large populations of Latino-Americans, Asian-Americans, and African-Americans — ethnic groups who members are affected by diabetes at higher rates compared to the overall population, according to medical research. Marc Wolf — a pharmacist and the founder and chief executive officer of Eastlake, Ohio-based Diabetic Care Services, a leading mail order company that provides supplies and services for patients of the disease — is offering a reminder that the challenge of proper diabetes management is especially important for children and can be met with the help of some time and teamwork from all of the adults involved the youngsters' education.
Wolf offers the following back-to-school tips for families affected by diabetes:
- Schedule a meeting with your child's teacher, administrators, school nurse and cafeteria staff to discuss his or her personal diabetes management plan.
- Bring written copies of the plan to leave with each person who may be responsible for your child while he or she is at school. The plan should include information on your child's medication, including when it should be taken, proper dosages, the correct technique for administering the medication, and who should administer medication. Also include information on how to recognize warning signs of high and low blood sugar, as well as who to contact and what actions to take in case of emergency.
- Review the personal diabetes management plan with your child. Your child might be old enough and able to manage most testing and medication independently, but he or she should also know where to turn when help is needed. Explain to younger children that a teacher, nurse of other member of the school's staff might be taking over the tasks their mom or dad might usually perform.
- Talk to your child daily to see whether he or she feels comfortable with the situation and to assess how he or she feels throughout the school day.
- Pack healthy snacks for your child to battle sudden low blood sugar, and make sure that school staff will allow your child to access these snacks when needed.
- Teach your child not to share snacks or trade food items with other students while at lunch.
- Establish a routine for your child right away so he or she adapts habits for eating, testing, and taking medication at the same time each day — whether in school, or at after-school activities or home.
- Ask the school nurse to store extra testing supplies and medications as back up.
- Encourage your child to be an active participant in physical education class and even to join an athletic team — but also be sure to meet with coaches in advance to discuss your child's personal diabetes management plan.
- Make sure your child wears a diabetic ID bracelet or necklace at all times.
Sam Hassan is a writer for the L.A. Garment & Citizen.
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