Diabetes Information

The Student Diabetes Form Packet can be found on the Forms - District page.

For more information about diabetes visit: The American Diabetes Association

Students attending Olentangy Schools who have Diabetes Mellitus require special attention while at school. The role of the School Nurse is to collaborate with school personnel, family members and medical professionals in order to develop appropriate management procedures. The School Nurse should utilize the information provided to plan and implement interventions and to provide diabetes related education and training for staff.

The school nurse should complete an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHP) and/or Emergency Care Plan for each diabetic student. Copies of these plans should be located in the school clinic and should be distributed to classroom teachers and appropriate staff members (i.e. guidance counselors, secretaries, specials teachers, principals, etc.) The Emergency Care Plan contains guidelines for treatment of potential complications such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, signs and symptoms commonly experienced by the individual and detailed instructions for care in the event of an emergency. The School Nurse evaluates the effectiveness of these plans throughout the school year and implements revisions as necessary.

Parents are responsible for returning the required district medical forms to the School Nurse. These forms must be completed and signed by the health care provider directly involved in the management of the student’s diabetes care. Care and emergency plans may not be activated without the necessary paperwork on file. Parents are also responsible for providing all supplies and snacks to be utilized during the school day.

It is our expectation that the student will demonstrate age-appropriate responsibility for self-care while at school. The child should test blood sugar and perform insulin injections in the school clinic unless the health care provider specifically requests an alternative site. The child will dispose of all sharps, such as lancets and needles, in the provided biohazard containers. Independence in performing one’s own diabetes care, such as blood glucose testing and insulin injection, is strongly encouraged. Assistance with these tasks may be provided by the School Nurse, Clinic Aides or other trained non-medical staff on an as needed basis depending on the student’s age, level of independence and maturity, health care provider’s orders, etc..

The district's nurses are advocates for students with special needs. We strive to provide for the safety of these children by educating and training school staff to assist with routine and emergency care whenever necessary. We will continue to facilitate the development of self-care skills so that the student is able to achieve independent Diabetes management.