Managing Type 1 Diabetes in School - CPS Statement

Question 1

Students who go low during tests may require accommodation. Once the hypoglycemia has been treated, it can take up to _____ minutes for its effects on intellectual functions to resolve.

Answer 1

45 minutes

Question 2

What are the factors listed in the CPS statement about preventing hypoglycemia at school? (Hint: there are six)

Answer 2

1) Regularly scheduled meals and snacks, and adequate time to consume them.
2) Adjusting either food intake or insulin doses for increased physical activity. In most cases at school, this means an extra blood glucose check and/or extra snack before physical activity.
3) A clean area for blood glucose checks, where hands can be cleaned, with a sharps container to safely discard glucose test strips and lancets.
4) Supervising young children in ways that help them recognize, treat and prevent hypoglycemia.
5) For all children, ready access to their emergency kit (with glucose meter, fast-acting sugar source, extra snacks, etc.).
6) For older children or teens, accommodations for tests, quizzes or exams (eg, extra time), since hypoglycemia is likely to affect test performance even after appropriate treatment of an acute event.

Question 3

As per the CPS statement, what are potential barriers to safe and effective management of hypoglycemia in schools?

Answer 3

1) Incomplete training of school personnel
2) Unscheduled activity and inactivity
3) Altered meal or snack times
4) Lack of rapid access to a glucose meter and emergency and treatment supplies

Question 4

When a child has diabetes, it is important that the school be informed on two levels:

Answer 4

1. They require initial education and periodic updates about diabetes in children in general.
2. They need an individual care plan (ICP) specific to each student’s needs.