There is a 14 year old student with type 1 diabetes in my school frequently checks his blood sugar (he routinely checks it before meals and prior to physical education) and wants to give insulin with each blood sugar check. Is there a maximum amount of insulin that can be given? How often should he check his blood sugar during school hours?

Congratulations on having such a conscientious student who self-manages his type�1 diabetes. It is very appropriate to test blood sugar prior to meals and before exercise, both to detect hypoglycemia and adjust for hyperglycemia. Additional insulin can be given as prescribed by the student’s diabetes physician. Teens need a lot more insulin to control their diabetes because the physiology of puberty inherently causes insulin resistance.

HVS

[Editor’s comment: This student may be on a basal/bolus insulin regimen which would require insulin injections at school.

SS]

[Editor’s comment: There’s no maximal amount of insulin that can be given. However, for every individual, there are usual doses, and it would be wise for the student’s physician to spell out what is usual, and what would be the maximum dose, for this individual. It should be pointed out that insulin doses will almost always be higher during acute illnesses, such as colds and flus, and might surpass the maximal dose that would be used on average days.

WWQ]