School
Even though you may feel nervous, telling your teachers and classmates you have diabetes is important. Remember, your teachers aren’t just there to help you learn new things, but also to keep you safe. That means they can help you take care of your diabetes by watching out for you in class.
If your blood sugar gets low at school, your classmates should also know you have diabetes, so they know how to help you. Show them your medical alert tag to get the conversation started.
Remember to take all your supplies to school. Check off each item below as you pack your backpack!
School supplies:
Diabetes supplies:
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Your blood glucose meter
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Test strips for your meter
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Lancets and a lancing device
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Your blood sugar logbook and a pen to write down your levels each time you check
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Insulin pens or traditional syringes
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If you use an insulin pump, make sure you bring an extra infusion set with tubing and a reservoir
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Insulin
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Alcohol swabs
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Tissues for your fingers
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A juice box or glucose tabs in case you get low blood sugar
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A snack supply with foods like granola bars, fruits or veggies
Safety supplies:
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Your medical alert bracelet
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Emergency phone numbers for you parents and doctor
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A glucagon kit with a special, pre-filled syringe that can be used in case you have severe hypoglycemia and are unable to take some form of sugar by mouth.
Sources: Taking Diabetes to School by Kim Gosselin, www.jdrf.org