The article I reviewed was called Strategies for Helping Children with Diabetes in Elementary and Middle Schools.

The two points that I found most interesting/useful were: 1. Individualized Health Care Plans (IHP) In the United States, these forms are completed by the school nurse/family physician along with the parents. Just like an IEP would provide information about the exceptionality, accommodation suggestions and teaching strategies, the IHP provides information about: Student information and history The goal of diabetes management (ie. blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, insulin-pump management etc.) Universal precautions, operation of devices, appropriate disposal of test strips and supplies Meals and snack provision, alternatives to foods that could be used as rewards in the classroom. Emergency food items available in classroom, remote areas of the school and while on field trips. Signs and symptoms of hyper/hypoglycemia. I found an examples of these from the States which is general for INDIVIDUALIZED HEALTHCARE PLAN for STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS http://www.jpsb.us/ihpspecialneeds.pdf School Advisory Tool Kit for Students: Diabetes Management Plan (pages 6/7) https://www.jdrf.ca/_JDRFCa/assets/File/NSO/Outreach/JDRF%20%20Outreach%20-%20School%20Toolkit%20-%202012%20-%20Eng%20%20Final.pdf 2. Psychosocial Issues: Students with diabetes are more prone to: Increased school related difficulties (learning issues with reading and language) Becoming belligerent and moody Have poor self confidence and achievement motivation from frequent absenteeism Experience more anxiety and depression than their peers These could be due to the side effects of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, the poor fit between their health needs and school environment or the fact that children with diabetes miss more class on average due to medical appointments, overprotection of parents, etc.

The article recommends a team approach between the family, teachers, educational assistants, food services, coaches, nurses, physicians and school administration to ensure that all are educated and the proper management of a student with diabetes. Having taught a student with diabetes, I feel that the above listed characteristics were present in this student and we may have chalked them all up to learning differences rather than recognize the significant impact her diabetes may have been having on her learning. Reference: Getch, Y., Bhukhanwala, F., Neuharth-Pritchett, S. (2007). Strategies for Helping Children with Diabetes in Elementary and Middle Schools. Teaching Exceptional Children. 39(3) 46-51.