Note, copies of both of these memos/letters have been included in Kenny's red diabetes booklet. If you need more copies please let me know. Both of these letters will include Kenny's picture and parent's contact information.
TO: First nutrition break supervisor:
As you know, Kenny has Type 1 Diabetes. In order to properly manage his disease, it is extremely important that he eat all of the snack that I have provided for him. If he drops or spills some of his snack, there are extra snacks in his back pack that can be used as a replacement.
His snacks consist of 15 grams of carbohydrates and some protein. The drink is sugar free, and does not need to be finished. Use your own judgement as to how much of the extra snack is needed for replacement. For example, if he drops a few large crackers, replace them with more of the same crackers if there are any or ½ a granola bar. A couple of small crackers, like goldfish, can probably be overlooked if everything else is finished.
This is particularly important in order to prevent low blood sugar, especially if he is going to be very active at recess time. If you are unsure that he has eaten enough, or if you have any questions, please feel free to call anytime.
Thank you for your help,
*******************************************************
[Note: I wrote this letter in his kindergarten year, after there were problems with Kenny finishing some of his snacks before recess.]TO: First nutrition break supervisor:
As you know, Kenny has Type 1 Diabetes. In order to properly manage his disease, it is extremely important that he eat all of the snack that I have provided for him. If he drops or spills some of his snack, there are extra snacks in his back pack that can be used as a replacement.
His snacks consist of 15 grams of carbohydrates and some protein. The drink is sugar free, and does not need to be finished. Use your own judgement as to how much of the extra snack is needed for replacement. For example, if he drops a few large crackers, replace them with more of the same crackers if there are any or ½ a granola bar. A couple of small crackers, like goldfish, can probably be overlooked if everything else is finished.
This is particularly important in order to prevent low blood sugar, especially if he is going to be very active at recess time. If you are unsure that he has eaten enough, or if you have any questions, please feel free to call anytime.
Thank you for your help,
*************************************************
[Note: This letter was copied and modified for Kenny's purposes from the Diabetes in Ontario Schools site.]
Dear substitute teacher,
Hello! My name is Kenny. I am a student in [teacher’s name]’s class, and I have type 1 diabetes. This means that my pancreas no longer produces insulin. I require regular blood glucose monitoring and I take insulin injections to maintain my blood glucose levels. Due to this condition, it is important that you know the following:
When I’m at school, I may have to check my blood sugar if I feel low. I can do my checks on my own but I need adult supervision.
I must have an insulin dose before lunch. My mom picks me up for lunch at [TIME] and I get my insulin at home.
My testing supplies and emergency glucose can be found in my tummietote belt that I wear around my waist. There is also a red diabetes supply bag in the classroom with an extra meter, glucose tablets, candy and juice.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) is a very serious condition that needs to be addressed immediately. Please keep an eye out for the symptoms below. If I am showing symptoms of low blood glucose levels, I need my blood sugar tested right away. Symptoms of low blood sugar include the following:
If my blood glucose is low (less than 4.0), I must have some fast-acting sugar and be retested in 15 minutes to make sure my blood glucose level is within an acceptable range. If I am low, I must not be left alone until I have achieved normal levels. I must remain in the company of an adult if I am experiencing a low blood sugar level. If my blood sugar remains low after treating, I will need more sugar and another blood glucose check fifteen minutes later.
Some appropriate sources of fast acting sugar are:
Sincerely,
[name]
Hello! My name is Kenny. I am a student in [teacher’s name]’s class, and I have type 1 diabetes. This means that my pancreas no longer produces insulin. I require regular blood glucose monitoring and I take insulin injections to maintain my blood glucose levels. Due to this condition, it is important that you know the following:
When I’m at school, I may have to check my blood sugar if I feel low. I can do my checks on my own but I need adult supervision.
I must have an insulin dose before lunch. My mom picks me up for lunch at [TIME] and I get my insulin at home.
My testing supplies and emergency glucose can be found in my tummietote belt that I wear around my waist. There is also a red diabetes supply bag in the classroom with an extra meter, glucose tablets, candy and juice.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) is a very serious condition that needs to be addressed immediately. Please keep an eye out for the symptoms below. If I am showing symptoms of low blood glucose levels, I need my blood sugar tested right away. Symptoms of low blood sugar include the following:
- Hunger
- Paleness
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Eyes that appear glassy, dilated ("big") pupils
- Personality changes such as crying or stubbornness, irritability, confusion
- Headaches
- Inattentiveness
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Speech and coordination changes
If my blood glucose is low (less than 4.0), I must have some fast-acting sugar and be retested in 15 minutes to make sure my blood glucose level is within an acceptable range. If I am low, I must not be left alone until I have achieved normal levels. I must remain in the company of an adult if I am experiencing a low blood sugar level. If my blood sugar remains low after treating, I will need more sugar and another blood glucose check fifteen minutes later.
Some appropriate sources of fast acting sugar are:
- 2 rolls of Rockets candy
- 8 gummy bears
- 4 Dex-4 glucose tablets
- A juice box
Sincerely,
[name]
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