Kids going back to school have a lot on their minds. Will my friends be in my class? Which teachers will I have? What should I wear on the first day? However, children with diabetes, and their parents, have something else on their minds: how do we manage this disease during the many hours spent at school, on field trips and in extra-curricular activities?

Diabetes does not have to get in the way of your child's good experience at school. Parents and schools have the same goal: to ensure that students with diabetes are safe and that they are able to learn in a supportive environment. Building a strong support network at school with nurses, teachers and coaches can help kids properly manage their diabetes. Here are a few tips for preparing your child for the school year:

• Provide school staff the information and resources necessary for your child's safety and health. Work closely with your child’s doctor and school staff to create a Diabetes Medical Management Plan. This may include creating a care package with necessary diabetes supplies to take in his or her backpack, or keep in the school nurse’s office.
• Make sure your child can manage diabetes at a level appropriate for his or her age. If a trained school employee will monitor blood sugar, make sure your child knows where and when to go for testing. If your child is old enough to monitor blood sugar on his or her own, ensure he or she feels comfortable doing so. Have a plan for emergency situations.
• Support your child in following a healthy diet with plenty of physical activity, at home and at school. Pack your child a healthy lunch and snacks for the school day to keep blood sugar under control. Physical activity can help your child improve his or her blood sugar control, so he or she shouldn’t feel isolated from participating in physical education classes with peers.

Families, schools and health care providers can work together for the benefit of the student with diabetes. How does your community support children with diabetes?

Want to know more?

Diabetes Resources for Schools and Parents: http://ndep.nih.gov/hcp-businesses-and-schools/Schools.aspx

Safe at School: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabe...

Type 1 Diabetes in School: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103439