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Patient handout · Endocrine (Type 1 Diabetes)

Type 1 Diabetes: Your Child at Home and School

In type 1 diabetes, your child's body no longer makes insulin. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into the body's cells. Your child needs insulin every day for life.

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Give insulin every day

  • Give insulin as your diabetes team prescribes. Never skip it, even when your child is sick.
  • Check blood sugar or the sensor (CGM) before meals and at bedtime.
  • Your child's target range: ____________.
  • Count carbs on food labels. Use your child's carb ratio for meal insulin.

Treat low blood sugar (below 70)

  • Signs: shaky, sweaty, pale, cranky, hungry, or acting differently.
  • Give 15 grams of fast sugar: 4 glucose tablets or 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of juice. Recheck in 15 minutes. Repeat if still below 70.
  • Amount for a young child: ____________.
  • If your child cannot swallow or will not wake up, give glucagon and call 911.

At school and sports

  • Share the written school diabetes plan with the school nurse.
  • Your child keeps glucose tablets and snacks close at all times.
  • Check before sports. Give an extra snack as the plan says.
  • School-age children help with finger checks and spotting lows.

On sick days

  • Keep giving insulin. Check blood sugar every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Check ketones when your child is sick or blood sugar is above 250.
  • Give fluids every hour.

Call your provider today if you have

  • A child with moderate or large ketones: call right away
  • A sick child who cannot eat or drink well
  • Many low or high readings

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have

  • A child who is vomiting and has ketones
  • A child with deep, fast breathing or fruity-smelling breath
  • A child who is confused, very sleepy, or will not wake up

This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.

For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →