Having a child in your class can seem a little daunting, but there is a lot of help out there.
The first port of call, of course has to be the parents or carers of the child. The child should have a medical protocol that must be followed and will include everything you need to know to care for the child.
There are a few things to remember as a teacher about Type 1 Diabetes:
- First of all, the child will often be preoccupied. They will often be wondering whether they are high or low, and working out when to ask for help or if they manage it themselves, they will often have ratios and numbers in their head as they try to keep control of their diabetes.
- Children generally like to fit in and be the same as everyone else. They will usually appreciate minimum attention being drawn to their diabetes.
- Blood sugar affects the cognitive ability, and you may notice that behaviour changes and levels of work and handwriting are inconsistent. This is not the fault of the child and will need careful and thoughtful individual management.
- The potential and opportunities of the child should never be limited or restricted by Type 1 Diabetes. With preparation and thought, with parent/carer/teacher support every activity is possible.
GT1 offers free interactive training about how Type 1 Diabetes affects a child cognitively in the classroom and community group, although, as we are not a medical organisation, we of course cannot give medical advice. Please do contact us if you are interested.