Dear Nicky, thank you for your question.

We’re sorry you had a problem at school when you were having a hypo.  Sometimes people get worried when they don’t have enough knowledge to deal with a situation, and so feel they’re not in control, which makes them angry.

Parents usually have to inform schools that their child has diabetes or any other medical condition.  It’s important that all staff (including relief staff) know enough about diabetes to make sure that the student is safe.  It’s particularly important that they know about hypoglycaemia (hypos), how to recognise symptoms, when a hypo might occur, how to treat the hypo and the possibility of the need for re – treatment. 

It might be an idea for you or perhaps someone at home to speak to the principal and suggest that, if possible, your educator carry out a school visit to tell all the teachers about diabetes at one of their staff meetings. If it’s difficult for an educator to do this, perhaps someone at home could do it if they feel confident.  When people are given all the facts they usually feel more comfortable with the situation and better able to cope.

It’s good to have your hypo kit with you at all times so that you can treat yourself straightaway.

Your school may want to contact Diabetes Australia-NSW or www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au to obtain a School Pack that has useful information on management of the student with type 1 diabetes at school. It includes a management plan which can be tailored to each child or adolescent’s needs.

Links

Teachers and Schools

http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/teachers_and_schools.asp