December 15, 2008
School and Daycare
Question from New York, USA:
My 17-year-old son is a hockey player for his high school team. He has played for the team for three years. This year, the coach decided that he needs a protocol to play. At this school, no other children with medical issues have a protocol to play their sport. They had a school doctor write the protocol without consulting his endocrinologist. They now force him to test himself in front of one of the coaches, which he really doesn’t want to do, but cannot play if he refuses.
Is this discrimination because he is the only one required to have a protocol? There are kids on the team with other issues, but they are not forced to comply to a protocol. Does he have to give up his privacy and test in front of the coach?
Answer:
Protocols for school diabetes care need to be reviewed and authorized by the parent/guardian and student’s health care provider and incorporated in the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan. For more information and help with your individual situation, contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES.
CJ
