← All guides · Doctor visits and check-ups
A child with diabetes at school and kindergarten
diabetes at school · child with diabetes in kindergarten · diabetes and school · insulin at school
A guide for parents on how to prepare school or kindergarten so a child with diabetes stays safe.
Before the start of school, when moving to a new class or kindergarten, and after a change of treatment.
⏱ Duration: preparing usually takes one or two meetings with the teacher and a medical staff member
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Meeting. Talk to the kindergarten teacher or class teacher, the nurse, and the PE teacher.
- Plan. Give a written guide: signs of low and high sugar, what to do, and your phone numbers.
- Supplies. Leave fast sugar, a snack, and spare supplies at school.
- Your child. Teach your child not to feel shy about saying they feel unwell.
What to bring
- A glucose meter or sensor and spare strips
- Fast sugar and a snack
- A school guide with your phone numbers
- Insulin and needles, if a shot is needed at school
How it goes
- Tell the adults at school that your child has diabetes
- Show what low sugar looks like: paleness, sweating, shaking, crying, strange behavior
- Explain that with low sugar, the child is given something sweet right away and is not left alone
- Agree who helps with checking sugar and shots, and when
- Before PE, your child may need a snack
- Agree that they call you at any concern
What you'll feel
- At first it is scary to let your child go, which is normal
- Teachers are often worried too, and the guide calms them
Afterwards
- Look at the sugar diary for school days
- Update the guide if treatment changes
- Restock sweets and supplies
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your child is unconscious or having seizures: call emergency services, and give nothing by mouth
- Vomiting, severe thirst, or an acetone smell on the breath: see a doctor urgently
Common questions
Can a child with diabetes do PE?
Yes, usually. Sugar must be checked before the class and something sweet kept at hand.
Can my child eat in class?
With low sugar, absolutely. Agree on this with the teacher beforehand.