Summer’s winding down and it is time to go back to school. With type 1 diabetes (T1D), back to school preparation is about more than getting your school supplies in order. It is also about making sure that the teachers and educators are aware of what to do in case of high or low blood sugar and how to respond in case of an emergency. There are checklists to be shared with the diabetes care team at school and conversations to be had with teachers, nurses and other students about T1D.

While this can be overwhelming, know that you have help at hand. With our new back to school resources, you’ll find information that parents and caregivers will find useful, such as a back to school checklist, information about 504 plans and a quick start guide to living independently with T1D. Teachers and educators will benefit from resources such as how to support your student with T1D and an introduction to T1D from the point of view of student. We also have info graphics on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) that outline the causes, symptoms and treatments so teachers can make sure that the students stay healthy and safe when they’re at school allowing parents and caregivers to have much needed peace of mind.

JDRF has created the video “Type 1 Diabetes: What you Need to Know” to help parents and caregivers better educate the school care team and classrooms about T1D. The video includes real students with T1D showing what life with T1D involves including what all of the devices they use are and what to do in an emergency. Whether you’re going back to school in a new grade, or starting school again after your diagnosis, this video, available on Vimeo and YouTube, is a helpful guide to show to your child’s classroom to teach new friends about Type 1 diabetes. You can find this video and more helpful resources on the JDRF website. JDRF Rocky Mountain staff and T1D Connections volunteers are always available to help answer with back to school questions. Email rockymountain@jdrf.org for additional support.