Key References Guide Diabetes Management in Children
With schools around the nation reopening, it is time to think about managing diabetes in the classroom.
Chronic conditions, like diabetes, often require around-the-clock management. With schools around the nation reopening, it is time to think about managing diabetes in the classroom. Multiple associations have created tools to guide parents, caregivers, and health care providers as they assist children and help them learn to manage their health conditions successfully.
Patient & Caregiver Education
Of the numerous professional associations, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the most known. The Safe at School program provides school staff training resources and summarizes state laws regarding at-school insulin and hypoglycemic medication administration.1 The ADA’s Clinical Corner contains many free educator (e.g., continuing education, updates in care highlights) and patient/caregiver references.2
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) developed Diabetes in Children, a practice topic webpage teaming with links to school guides and toolkits.3 Although the NASN tailors their website to school nurses, pharmacists may also benefit. For example, the “Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed” link contains emergency care plans for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.4
The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has two online subscription platforms: Pediatric Care Online and Pediatric Patient Education.5,6 Functionalities include point-of-care quick references, patient education handouts, and Red Book access.
Affordability
Insulin, blood glucose testing supplies, and other oral and injectable medications are costly. The ADA has established a Health Insurance Aid resource guide summarizing prescription assistance programs and the health insurance marketplace.7
Another great and easy-to-use online tool is healthcare.gov, which helps find state insurance coverage for patients who currently do not have a plan.
Summary
As a pharmacist, patients or their caregivers may ask for assistance in finding reliable sources related to care at home and school. Knowledge of these resources supplements patient counseling and enables all users to understand appropriate use and safety parameters better.
Webpage Access
National Association of School Nurses
American Diabetes Association
American Academy of Pediatricians
https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx
REFERENCES
1. Safe at school. American Diabetes Association. Accessed March 8, 2021.
https://www.diabetes.org/resources/know-your-rights/safe-at-school-state-laws
2. Clinical corner. American Diabetes Association. Accessed March 8, 2021.
https://professional.diabetes.org/clinical-corner
3. Diabetes in children. National Association of School Nurses. Published March 2019. Accessed March 8, 2021. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/nasn-resources/practice-topics/diabetes
4. Helping the student with diabetes succeed. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published May 2020. Accessed March 8, 2021. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/diabetes/helping-student-diabetes-succeed-guide-school-personnel?dkrd=hispt1099
5. Pediatric patient education. American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed March 8, 2021. https://patiented.solutions.aap.org/handout.aspx?gbosid=166453
6. Pediatric care online. American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed March 8, 2021. https://pediatriccare.solutions.aap.org/
7. Health insurance aid. American Diabetes Association. Accessed March 8, 2021.
8. https://www.diabetes.org/resources/health-insurance.
