April 26, 2002
School and Daycare
Question from Franklin, Wisconsin, USA:
My 11 year old daughter will be at the middle school next year, and her insulin schedule will be changing over the summer to Lantus (insulin glargine) with Humalog. Will she be able to have her Humalog pen with her and give insulin to herself at lunchtime? The other option would be for her to go to the “health” room, and my concerns would be that if her blood sugar level is lower and gave her Humalog, she might find a long line in the lunch room, she will be spending 10 or more minutes away from her friends, making her “look different”, or she will not be able to sit with her friends since she does not go through the line with them, and the children are not allowed to save seats. How can I find out what other children her age do. How can I find out if it is “legal” for her to carry this insulin with her?
Answer:
It is probably best to check with the school, especially the school nurse as to what works out best. Maybe there are others at school or in the system who have diabetes and although the school can not tell you their names, you hopefully would meet up with them through a support group. I hope it will work out that she does not have to give insulin at school, but if needed, please be patient with helping them to understand all of the issues.
LSF
[Editor’s comment: A couple of suggestions:
See The Law, Schools, and Your Child with Diabetes.
Her 504 plan could state that she go to the head of the lunch line.
She could take her Humalog after lunch based on what she has eaten.
Visit our Chat Rooms to find out what others have done.
I totally agree with Lois that you need to meet with school officials and work out a plan.
SS]
