Topic Overview
Children with diabetes should participate in their treatment to the
extent that is fitting for their age and experience with the disease.
- Toddlers and preschool-aged children usually aren't able to do
tasks for diabetes care such as giving insulin or checking blood sugar.
As children get older, they generally cooperate with these tasks.
- Children in elementary school can cooperate in all tasks
required for their care. With maturity and experience, many children can test their blood sugar level
with supervision.
- Children in middle school or junior high school
should be able to test their own blood sugar level. But they may need help
during low blood sugar episodes. Some children can give insulin
shots with supervision.
- Teens should be able to handle their care
with appropriate supervision. Teens may choose to use an
instead of shots. If they choose to use a
pump, they still need supervision from adults.
When your child with diabetes begins school (or attends a child care
center), you and the staff will work together to create a plan of care with
instructions for handling your child's special needs. Children can participate
fully in all school activities while still receiving the supervision and care
they need. See a
diabetes care plan for children attending a child care center or school for information about making a care plan for your
child.