My nine year old daughter, diagnosed six months ago, has joined a basketball team and has asked that I do not tell the coach of her diabetes because she is sure that he will treat her differently after he finds out. I will be present at all of her practices and games to provide her with care if she should go low. Is it always necessary to inform the coach of her condition?

It is always very important to inform any of your daughter’s coaches that she has diabetes, and it is your responsibility as a parent to do so. The coach should have some understanding about your daughter’s schedule and all that is needed to do to take care of herself. He/she will need to know what diabetes is, your child’s ability to play despite having diabetes, how to handle your child’s diabetes, how to plan ahead to avoid hypoglycemia and when blood glucose will likely be tested. The coach may have a role in blood glucose testing and helping treat a hypoglycemia reaction.

Your child will not be treated differently if the coach has a basic understanding of the above mentioned items. If anything, your daughter may form a trusting relationship with her coach.

PL