5 Tips to Support a School-Age Child with Type 1 Diabetes

For children ages six to 12, managing type 1 diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar and insulin. It’s also about building confidence and feeling included.

At this stage, kids are forming friendships, becoming more independent, and tend to want to fit in. But they’ll still need your support to manage their diabetes safely.

Here are five important ways parents and trusted adults can help.

1. Support Their Emotional Well-Being

Encourage open conversations with your child about how they feel at school and with friends.

Kids may differ in how they feel about talking about their condition with other children. Let your child decide when and how they share with classmates and friends about diabetes. Practice simple responses they can use, like: “I check my sugar so I can feel good and do everything I want to do.”

Your child may gradually start to gain independence in managing their diabetes. Celebrate small wins, like checking blood sugar on their own.

2. Work with the School to Create Plans

Some important plans can help you feel more assured that your child’s medical and educational needs will be met while they’re at school and school-run activities, like sporting events and field trips:

• Section 504 Plan: A 504 is a written plan that outlines the provisions that will be made by the school to meet the child’s diabetes needs. For example, the 504 can include allowing blood sugar checks, snacks, and insulin at school. Meet with your child’s school’s staff to create and review the plan annually. (The American Diabetes Association website has Section 504 templates you can use to get started.)
• Diabetes Care Plan: Also, work with your child’s doctor to prepare a written plan that covers blood sugar checks, insulin dosing, meals, activity, and emergencies. Share it with the school staff. (The ADA has a fillable Diabetes Medical Management Plan form that can help.)
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP): If your child qualifies under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), they should have an IEP. This document describes what the school will do to meet the child’s unique educational needs, as well as their health needs. (Typically, school districts provide a detailed form.)

3. Make Sure They Have Supplies Ready

Pack diabetes care supplies to be kept in the classroom and nurse’s office. These should be clearly labeled and restocked regularly.

You may include:

• Blood sugar meter, strips, and ketone testing supplies
• Insulin (pens, pump, or injections)
• Glucose tablets, juice, snacks, and water
• Glucagon kit for severe lows

4. Pack Smart Lunches

A well-planned lunch supports your child’s health and their confidence, helping them stay focused throughout the day and feeling as if their diabetes will be well-managed with help from nutritious foods.

When you’re packing lunch:

• Label carb counts: Clearly write the carbohydrate content on each food item. This helps teachers, school nurses, and your child track and manage insulin doses accurately.
• Include “free” foods: Add foods that don’t require insulin, like celery sticks, sugar-free gelatin, or cheese cubes. These give your child flexibility for snacking without worrying about blood sugar spikes.
• Involve your child: Let them help plan and pack their lunch. This task teaches them responsibility, builds independence, and helps them feel more in control of their choices.

5. Encourage Them to Participate

With the right preparation, your child can safely enjoy all school activities, like gym class, field trips, and special events. Here are some ways you can support their participation:

• Communicate with staff: Make sure teachers, coaches, and field trip chaperones understand your child’s needs. Share their care plan and signs of low or high blood sugar to watch for.
• Pack extra supplies: Send a small bag with extra snacks, glucose tablets or juice boxes, insulin (if needed), and testing supplies. Label everything clearly and let staff know where it will be kept.
• Plan ahead for activities: For gym days or active field trips, adjust the insulin dose or provide an extra snack before activity, as recommended by your child’s healthcare provider.
• Provide contact info: The school and staff should have your phone number and the number of your child’s doctor or school nurse in case of emergencies.
• Practice together: Rehearse different situations with your child, like what to do if they feel low during a game or need help during a trip.
• Boost their confidence: Remind your child that they can participate like everyone else — they just need to be prepared. Help them feel proud of how they manage their diabetes.

With your encouragement, a supportive school team, and careful planning, your child can stay healthy, feel confident, and enjoy a successful school year.