Back-to-School Diabetes Checklist: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Whether it is kindergarten or college, sending your child with diabetes off to school can come with extra layers of preparation. You want to make sure they are not only ready to learn but also ready to manage their diabetes with confidence and support. A little planning goes a long way to help your child feel secure, independent, and set up for success.
Diabetes Checklist: K-12
Here is a practical checklist for families of school-aged children, plus an additional section just for families with college-bound students.
1. Emergency Contacts
In an emergency, time is crucial. Having people and numbers readily available means you can address a situation before it escalates.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) phone numbers
- Backup emergency contact (relative or trusted friend)
- Primary care doctor and diabetes specialist contact info.
2. Medical & Diagnosis Information
Having your child’s type of diabetes diagnosis readily available can improve the level of accuracy and safety while caring for them during an emergency.
- Written diabetes management plan (Individualized Healthcare Plan or 504 Plan). Refer to the American Diabetes Association website for sample 504 Plan.
(https://diabetes.org/advocacy/safe-at-school-state-laws/section-504-plan)
- Date of diabetes diagnosis
- Type of diabetes (Type 1orType 2)
- Usual insulin and all medication details
- Your child’s typical high or low blood glucose symptoms
- Blood glucose target range
3. Supplies to Send
It’s always a good idea, to double check your child has all their necessary supplies for their particular diabetes diagnosis! Better to be overstocked than understocked!
- Glucose meter or CGM (if used), with instructions
- Test strips and lancets
- Insulin and delivery method (insulin pens
,
- Glucagon emergency kit
- Blood or urine ketone strips
- Fast-acting sugar (juice boxes, glucose tablets, small candies)
- Snacks and carb-counted lunch items
- Water bottle
4. Action Plans
An action plan provides a clear roadmap for either yourself, a caretaker, or a potential stranger to care for your child in an emergency. It also gives you, and your child, peace of mind, and can help reduce stress in case something happens, and your child needs immediate help.
- What to do for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- What to do for high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Steps to take in case of emergency (including calling 911 if needed)
- Instructions for substitute teachers or school bus drivers
5. Communication Tools
Including notes that are specific to your child can help assist a caretaker in understanding how best to approach a potentially stressful or emotionally heightened situation.
- Note explaining your child’s needs for each teacher or staff member
- Communication log or app between school nurse and parent
- Clear plan for checking in after school or during the day
6. Comfort and Confidence Items
It’s never a bad idea to include something that can be emotionally and mentally supportive to a person undergoing a diabetes emergency.
- Extra set of clothes (in case of spills or accidents)
- Small comfort item (stuffed animal, stress ball, etc.)
- Medical ID bracelet or necklace
- Sticky notes with encouraging words in lunchbox
Download a printable version of this checklist here!
Diabetes Checklist: College-Bound Students
Heading off to college is a big step for any young adult and managing diabetes will add extra responsibility. Whether you are moving into a dorm or commuting from home, here are key things to review and prepare:
1. Health & Safety Prep
Same diagnosis, new environment. It is always a great step idea to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
- Notify the campus health center and disability services about your diabetes
- Set up access to medical care near campus
- Create a personal diabetes management plan tailored to college life. Refer to the American Diabetes Association website for sample 504 Plan.
(https://diabetes.org/advocacy/safe-at-school-state-laws/section-504-plan)
- Make sure roommates and close friends know how to recognize and respond to low or high blood sugar
- Ensure you wear a medical ID
2. Supplies & Prescriptions
It’s always a good idea to double check you have all the necessary supplies! Better to be overstocked than understocked!
- Pack at least one month’s worth of diabetes supplies (plus extras in case of delays)
- Have prescriptions transferred to a local pharmacy
- Include backup batteries, chargers, and pump/CGM supplies
- Glucagon or other emergency medication
- Blood or urine ketone strips
3. Food & Lifestyle
A whole new world! School campuses have many different dining options than you are used to at home. Take some time to review your options. Double points for diabetes-friendly ones!
- Review dining hall options and carb-counting resources
- Stock dorm with fast-acting sugar, healthy snacks, and water
- Talk about balancing late nights, stress, exercise, and alcohol with blood sugar management
4. Independence Skills
Being on your own can be fun, but a little intimidating at first. Especially if you are taking care of a serious diagnosis like diabetes. Take time to get used to the following responsibilities.
- Practice making medical appointments
- Understand insurance coverage and how to refill prescriptions
- Know what to do if you are feeling unwell or need help on campus
- Encourage using health apps or reminders for tracking blood sugar and medications
Download a printable version of this checklist here!
Let Us Make This School Year a Happy and Healthy One!
With the right support and tools, going to school with diabetes is doable! Having a solid checklist gives your child, their teachers, and you peace of mind. Talk to your child’s school early, keep everyone in the loop, and remind your child that they are capable and strong. Remind yourself that you have this and so do your kids!
Author: Mary A. Houle, MSN, RN, CDCES, BC-ADM | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
