Introduction/background

To prevent the risk of complications, intensive insulin therapy is recommended for children with diabetes.¹ This therapy requires more diabetes care to be undertaken in the school setting and is particularly difficult for kindergarten students who require assistance from school staff. The transition from preschool to primary school is one of the most challenging times for parents, children, schools and diabetes staff.

An education program was designed at the Nepean Diabetes service to ensure that school staff and parents were well informed about how to manage diabetes in kindergarten. 6 children from our diabetes service were commencing kindergarten in 2012. All children were using insulin pump therapy and required assistance for blood glucose testing and pump boluses. Preparation started in September 2011 by contacting schools to arrange education sessions and teachers aide funding if required. All schools received education, care plans and basic training on how to use an insulin pump. An evening session for parents was also held, with the key aim of highlighting the differences between preschool and kindergarten and planning for core diabetes needs at school.

Outcomes

School staff stated that early planning, education and support was useful and staff felt more confident with diabetes care. Parents reported increased awareness of appropriate planning for kindergarten and less anxious about the transition.

Recommendations for practice

This model will be utilized each year at the Nepean Diabetes Service for transition from preschool to kindergarten and primary school to high school. Working collaboratively with parents, children and school staff is the key to integration of intensive diabetes care in the school setting. This model can be adapted for use at small or large diabetes services.

Reference

1. Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group. (2005). Clinical practice guidelines : Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.