Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and requires lifelong treatment with insulin via injections or an insulin pump. Managing type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job, requiring regular blood glucose monitoring and careful attention to food and exercise in order to adjust insulin doses.
Managing diabetes at school can be an added stress for families and it can also be challenging for school staff to know how they can best support a student with type 1 diabetes.
National Diabetes in Schools Program
The National Diabetes in Schools program provides nationally consistent information, training and support for schools and families to better support students with type 1 diabetes at school.
You can register your school and find more about the Diabetes Schools Program here.
Funded by the Australian Government through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), the Diabetes in Schools program is administered in South Australia by Diabetes SA.
For more information contact the SA Diabetes in Schools Coordinator on 1300 198 204 or email [email protected]
The program provides three levels of training for teachers and school staff:
Level 1 Introductory Training
- Designed for all school staff and provides basic information about students living with type 1 diabetes.
- Consists of three short online modules.
- Takes approximately 20 minutes to complete
Level 2 Intermediate Training
- Designed for the designated school staff who volunteer to be directly involved in supporting students with type 1 diabetes.
- The training covers type 1 diabetes and food, monitoring glucose levels, insulin, managing lows and highs, physical activity, school camps and planning for changes.
- Training is general in nature and not specific to the needs of individual students (see Level 3 training for individualised skills training).
- Consists of nine online modules.
- Takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Level 2 Intermediate Training can be completed as a one-day face-to-face workshop delivered by a Credentialled Diabetes Educator from Diabetes SA.
Register through the events page.
Level 3 Individualised Skills Training
- Designed for designated school staff and focuses on the individual student’s type 1 diabetes management.
- Level 3 training is available for eligible students and is particularly beneficial for students who are newly diagnosed, are unable to self-administer insulin, have had a change in diabetes management (e.g. insulin injections to insulin pump), or have had a school transition (e.g. new school or upcoming school camp)
- Delivered in school by a Credentialled Diabetes Educator from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Principals or Vice Principals can request level 3 training through the Diabetes in Schools website.
Diabetes Training for Childcare Providers
For childcare providers or private pre-school and OSHC services our healthcare team can provide a session at your centre through our guest speaking program. For more information contact Diabetes SA on 1300 198 204 or visit our guest speaking page.
Information for parents
Parents and guardians have a responsibility to advise the school of their child’s medical condition and the particular requirements for the management of the child’s diabetes.
An individual management plan should be developed in collaboration with the parents/guardians, diabetes treating team and the school. This should be attached to the student’s records. School Diabetes Action and Management Plan templates are available to be completed by you and your child's health care team, you can find more information about these templates here. Speak with your diabetes educator for more information.
Visit the Diabetes in Schools website for more information and resources for children, parents and carers, and school staff.
If you would like to let your school know about the Diabetes in Schools program and the training available complete the Tell a School form.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme is an initiative of the Australian Government administered by Diabetes Australia.
The NDSS agent in South Australia is Diabetes SA.
Find out more about the NDSS at ndss.com.au or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700