It’s likely that your child will need a supply of diabetes equipment at school. The following is a list of things that are useful to take, but talk to your PDSN about what your child needs:
- Hypo remedies, eg glucose sweets/sugary drink/GlucoGel, plus a follow-on snack if necessary.
- Insulin and insulin pen, plus spares in case of breakage. Insulin not in current use will need to be stored in the fridge, and remember to ask staff to keep an eye on the expiry date.
Blood glucose meter and strips, plus spares in case of breakage/malfunction.- If your child is on a pump, include spare pump equipment in case the tubing becomes blocked. This will only be worthwhile if your child can change the tubing themselves or school staff have been trained. If not, they’ll need an insulin pen and insulin.
- Ketone strips (either blood or urine).
Storing supplies
Hypo remedies must be kept with your child at all times. Older children will probably keep them in their school bag. For younger children it might be easier to have a supply in the classroom, but make sure that it goes with your child if they move class or go out to play.
Other supplies, such as your child’s insulin and blood glucose meter, should be easily accessible. Your child should be allowed to carry these around if they wish. Again, for younger children who will need help with taking insulin and/or blood tests, it may be easier to keep them in a central place. But it’s vital that everybody know where they are in case they are needed in a hurry.