Investigating awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and support for students in secondary schools

Adolescence can be a challenging time for those with health complications. I was interested to investigate supports for students living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in secondary schools as teenage years are a difficult time for managing blood glucose levels; yet this is when assistance at school tends to decline. Through an anonymous online survey, questions helped determine awareness of T1D among teachers and administrators and adaptations for students both in the classroom and school wide. The implementation of provincial policy with respect to diabetes care in schools was also queried. Findings indicate a greater need for information about T1D to be shared with staff and a willingness to learn more to support students in school. Students with T1D need to be included in all areas of schooling in a safe and supported way with appropriate adaptations to show what they know and can do.