From school lunches to sports and sleepovers, diabetes adds moving parts to family life. With a plan and practice, kids can thrive.
What to know
- Types and onset:
- Type 1 is most common in kids; onset can be rapid with thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, or vomiting (possible DKA—urgent).
- Type 2 is rising in teens, often linked to insulin resistance, family history, and weight.
- Daily management pillars: balanced nutrition, activity, insulin or other meds, and glucose monitoring (meter/CGM).
- School partnership matters: staff should know the care plan, signs of highs/lows, and when to call home or 911.
- Emotional well‑being: diabetes distress is real—normalize feelings, involve the child, and build independence gradually.
Take action
- Build the care team: pediatric endocrinologist, diabetes educator, dietitian, school nurse, coaches, mental health support as needed.
- Create a written plan for school/camp:
- Supplies, CGM/pump permissions, when to check glucose, hypo treatment, ketone testing, when to call parents/EMS.
- Routines that help:
- Consistent mealtimes and carb awareness; pre‑bolus insulin for meals if advised; carry fast carbs (glucose tabs/juice).
- Pre‑activity check: adjust snacks/insulin for sports; have a sideline hypo kit.
- Sick‑day basics:
- Never skip basal insulin; check glucose more often; test ketones with high readings or illness; follow correction/hydration plan.
Talk to your clinician about
- Insulin‑to‑carb ratios, correction factors, and pre‑bolus timing.
- CGM use and alert settings for school/night.
- Growth/puberty adjustments, menstrual cycle effects, and sports dosing strategies.
- Psychological screening and peer support resources.
Quick glossary
- DKA: dangerous acid buildup—nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fruity breath, fast breathing; urgent care needed.
- Pre‑bolus: taking mealtime insulin 10–20 minutes before eating to match food absorption.
- 504 plan/IEP (US): accommodations to support medical needs at school.
Safety note
Teach adults who supervise your child how to treat severe hypoglycemia, including using glucagon. Seek urgent care for DKA signs or any severe symptoms.