Diabetes at School: What Every School Nurse Should Know About Type 1
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is one of the most medically complex chronic conditions managed in schools—and school nurses play a vital role in helping students stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
From blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and emergency preparedness, there's a lot to learn. The good news? You don't have to figure it all out alone.
Whether you're brand new to school nursing or looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the essentials of supporting students with Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes: The Basics
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone needed to let glucose into the body’s cells for energy. People with T1D must balance insulin, food, and activity levels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year- no days off!
At school, that means:
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Frequent blood sugar monitoring (fingersticks or CGM)
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Scheduled or flexible insulin doses
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Carb counting for meals/snacks
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Emergency plans for highs (hyperglycemia) or lows (hypoglycemia)
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
Can come on fast and be dangerous.
Look for:
What to do: Follow the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Most students will need 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, rechecked in 15 minutes. Always keep emergency glucose and glucagon nearby.
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):
Usually develops more slowly.
Watch for:
What to do: Follow the DMMP, notify parent/guardian, and monitor for ketones if indicated.
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Diabetes Technology Has Changed School Nursing
Diabetes care has changed dramatically over the past decade. Many students now use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, or automated insulin delivery systems to help manage their diabetes throughout the school day.
These devices provide valuable information and can help improve blood glucose management, but they don't replace good communication or careful nursing assessment.
As you prepare to support a student with Type 1 Diabetes:
- Become familiar with the diabetes technology your student uses.
- Review the student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) to understand when school staff should intervene.
- Know who receives CGM alerts and how your school responds when alarms occur.
- Remember that technology is only one part of diabetes care. Students may still need blood glucose checks, snacks, insulin adjustments, or emergency treatment based on their symptoms and DMMP.
The more familiar you are with today's diabetes technology before an emergency occurs, the more confident you'll feel supporting your students.
Helpful Tip: Every student's diabetes technology—and Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)—may be a little different. Don't hesitate to ask the student, family, or diabetes care team to demonstrate how the device works and answer any questions before the school year begins.
What’s in a DMMP—and Why It Matters
The Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) is your go-to guide for managing each individual student’s care. It’s typically written by the student’s diabetes care provider and signed by the parent/guardian.
It covers:
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Blood glucose monitoring schedule
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Insulin dosing and delivery method (injections or insulin pump)
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Meal and snack plans
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Exercise considerations
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Emergency actions for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
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When to call home—or 911
Keep it updated and easy to access.
Remember:
DMMP = written by the healthcare provider and contains the medical orders.
Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) = created by the school nurse to guide nursing care and communication.
School procedures = district policies that help ensure safe, consistent diabetes management.
Understanding the purpose of each document helps everyone work together safely.
Questions to Ask Parents Before School Starts
Every child manages Type 1 Diabetes a little differently. While the Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) provides your medical orders, a conversation with the parent or guardian can help you better understand the student's daily routine and individual needs.
Consider asking questions like:
Daily Diabetes Management
✔ Tell me about how and when your child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
✔ Tell me about your child. What should I know before the first day of school?
✔ What diabetes technology does your child use (CGM, insulin pump, injections)?
✔ Does your child usually recognize when their blood sugar is low or high?
✔ Are there symptoms that are unique to your child?
School Routine
✔ How independent is your child with diabetes care?
✔ Will they count carbohydrates independently or need assistance?
✔ Where do they usually check their blood sugar or administer insulin?
✔ Are there any classroom accommodations that have worked well in the past?
Communication
✔ When would you like me to contact you?
✔ How do you prefer to communicate during the school day?
✔ Who should we call if you're unavailable?
Emergencies
✔ Has your child ever experienced severe hypoglycemia?
✔ Have they ever needed glucagon?
✔ Have they ever been hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
✔ Are there any concerns you'd like us to be especially aware of?
Supplies
✔ What diabetes supplies will be kept at school?
✔ How often should we check expiration dates or replenish supplies?
✔ Is there anything else that helps your child have a safe and successful school day?
Helpful Tip: The best diabetes care happens when school nurses, families, students, and healthcare providers work together. Parents are the experts on their child, while the Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) provides the medical orders that guide care at school. Use your first conversation to build trust, learn about the student's daily routine, and encourage families to reach out anytime questions or concerns arise.
Know the Law: Diabetes Care in Schools
In Illinois, the Care of Students with Diabetes Act (105 ILCS 145/) outlines specific responsibilities for schools and staff supporting students with diabetes. It requires schools to:
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Follow the student’s DMMP as written by their healthcare provider
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Allow capable students to self-manage their care (including testing and insulin) in the classroom or elsewhere
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Ensure trained school staff are available to recognize and respond to diabetes-related emergencies
Not in Illinois? Be sure to review your own state's laws and district policies before the school year begins.
Preparing Your School Team
Supporting a student with Type 1 Diabetes is a team effort. While the school nurse coordinates diabetes care, many other school staff members play an important role in helping students stay safe throughout the school day.
As you prepare for the school year, make sure:
✔ Students have immediate access to glucose tablets, juice, snacks, water, and emergency medications as outlined in their Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP).
✔ Teachers, coaches, substitute teachers, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and other designated personnel know how to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia—and understand when and how to get help.
✔ Staff members responsible for supervising field trips, extracurricular activities, or after-school events understand the student's diabetes management needs before leaving campus.
✔ Emergency supplies are readily available, and trained staff know where they are located.
When everyone understands their role, students with Type 1 Diabetes can participate safely and confidently in all aspects of school life.
Communication Is Key
A solid communication plan with families helps keep everyone on the same page. Use daily logs, messaging apps, or email—whatever works best. Ask questions. Clarify unclear orders. Keep the DMMP updated.
And most importantly: listen to the student. They live with this every day. Even young students often know their bodies better than anyone. Listen to their concerns, encourage self-advocacy when appropriate, and partner with families and healthcare providers to provide safe, individualized care.
My Diabetes Organization System
Over the years, I've found that having a simple, consistent system makes diabetes management much less stressful—for me, my staff, and my students.
Here are a few habits that have worked well in my health office:
✔ Keep all current Diabetes Medical Management Plans (DMMPs) together in one easy-to-access binder (or secure digital folder).
✔ Review every student's DMMP before the school year begins to identify medication changes, supplies, accommodations, and staff training needs.
✔ Create an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) to guide nursing care and develop easy-to-follow resources for school staff.
✔ Track expiration dates for glucagon, emergency medications, and other diabetes supplies before they become a problem.
✔ Prepare for substitutes, field trips, extracurricular activities, and emergencies before they happen—not during them.
✔ Communicate early with families, healthcare providers, teachers, coaches, and other staff members so everyone understands their role in supporting the student. And advocate for 504 Plans when needed or required.
Final Thoughts
Managing Type 1 Diabetes may feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes much easier as you build routines, learn from your students, and develop systems that work for your school.
Remember—you don't have to know everything on day one. Ask questions, keep learning, and lean on your school nurse community whenever you need support.
Looking for editable diabetes resources? You'll find my T1D templates, teacher tips, IHPs, and 504 plans HERE!
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