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Doing well in school with Type 1 Diabetes

Edited: 20.09.2024

Phong Nguyen

HelloType1 Coordinator Vietnam, A4D

1. What you need to know about Type 1 Diabetes and school performance

Attending school while dealing with type 1 diabetes is essential to one's future. This is why knowing the connection between type 1 diabetes and school performance is important.

With type 1 diabetes is not as common as other health problems, is it possible to have a safe and happy learning environment?

Improving diabetes understanding in school is important because it is a serious, lifelong condition that needs to be carefully managed and cared for.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions found in school-aged children because it usually diagnosed in kids, teenagers, and young adults, but it can happen at any age. It may be an adjustment for most parents and teachers, and especially for kids with type 1 diabetes who are just starting their journey. But is it possible to do well in school?

Good teamwork among the teachers, parents, healthcare team, classmates, and the person with diabetes (PwD) makes a big difference in how well diabetes is managed.

2. Type 1 Diabetes and school performance: What is it like for students?

For kids, living with type 1 childhood diabetes may mean they will need to inject insulin, check their blood glucose level, eat snacks, drink more water, and exercise regularly.

Most kids may be afraid of needles and may not understand why their classmate with type 1 diabetes is having to inject insulin nor prick to check blood glucose level. Because they don't know what type 1 diabetes is, some kids may say odd and hurtful things that could hurt their friend. It might be helpful to talk to classmates about type 1 diabetes and help them understand this condition.

When diabetes conversation happens among classmates and kids with type 1 diabetes, this can be helpful in handling emergency situations since anything may happen in a day. And since type 1 diabetes and school performance are connected, doing this can help students with diabetes do well in school.

Spreading #diabetesawareness may be a good way to experience support and to stop people from thinking wrongly.

3. How can kids with type 1 diabetes and parents do to spread #diabetesawareness?

Since type 1 diabetes and school performance are intertwined, most teachers want to make sure the students are learning in a safe, happy, and successful environment.

To make this happen, parents can ask their doctors or nurses to train school teachers and nurses how to manage their child's type 1 diabetes.

Kids with type 1 diabetes and their parents can also ask teachers to create a safe classroom space so they can avoid being labeled or excluded, which would make them feel bad and ashamed of themselves.

For example, some children may view type 1 diabetes as a disease that can spread, while others might connect insulin needles with a drug addiction.

It will be important for kids with childhood diabetes to keep their self-esteem and try not to take negative comments too personally too because not everyone knows much about type 1 diabetes.

4. What can children with type 1 diabetes and their parents ask to their healthcare team and school administrators?

Parents and children with type 1 diabetes can ask their doctor and teachers for a personalised plan during school days as it can help with type 1 diabetes and school performance.

This plan may contain clear instructions for checking blood glucose, giving insulin, and meal and snack timings.

It is helpful to have a discussion about managing type 1 diabetes before engaging in physical education, going on field trips, or other similarly enjoyable activities.

It can be important for parents to talk openly and regularly with their child's teachers, school nurse, and healthcare team.

Doctors can also help kids wit childhood diabetes deal with problems by putting them in support groups and coaching them.

Participating in diabetes support groups and camps may encourage people living with Diabetes to learn from one another, develop lasting friendships, and take personal responsibility for their condition.

5. Doing well in school: Type 1 Diabetes and school performance

OF COURSE! With the right support and diabetes management strategies in place, children with type 1 diabetes can thrive academically and lead fulfilling lives. There are so many brilliant students with diabetes who are on top with their academics while taking an active role in managing their diabetes.

Kids with type 1 diabetes themselves know best what's going on in their bodies. It is best to let them take responsibility and offer help when needed. Overall, teamwork and positive attitudes are key factors in attaining success in school. Other helpful considerations may also come from teachers, such as; providing flexible absences for doctor's visits and restroom breaks.

Because of the link between type 1 diabetes and school performance, when there are personalised care plans and a supportive atmosphere in place, they may help students with type 1 diabetes to do well, not just academically, but also socially, physically, and mentally.

6. Let us go for the ace!

Living with type 1 diabetes is hard work and may affect one's emotions and mental health.

But staying on top of type 1 diabetes makes learning fun because you are ready for anything.

Kids with type 1 diabetes can feel comfortable going to school events and building strong support networks, especially if they help others understand their situation.

Type 1 diabetes doesn't stop any students from reaching their full potential.

The beautiful part is when type 1 diabetes becomes a part of a student's journey toward growth in all areas.

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