<p>My son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes this year, but he’s always wanted to go to boarding school. Can anyone tell me if they have a diabetic child in boarding school and how that works out?</p>
<p>Is he responsible enough to manage his blood sugar testing, insulin injections, ordering/purchasing insulin and other supplies, and any other day to day medical needs by himself?</p>
<p>Food types, amounts, and schedule would also be an issue, depending on what the provided food and meal schedule are, and how well he can self-manage his food selection and eating schedule based on that.</p>
<p>The juvenile diabetes research foundation (JDRF) is a wonderful source of information about type 1 diabetes, and their website notes in-person and on-line support groups for both kids and parents. I’ll bet you can find resources through them to help you find others who have dealt with kids away at boarding school.</p>
<p>First question is to the school. Have they dealt with a diabetic before in their population, and if so, how have they managed it? The answer may vary widely, between the student being responsible for testing and management, or the nurse doing some of the insulin management. There are probably some liability issues with keeping insulin and needles in a dorm room for the underage population. </p>
<p>I say this, because I work at a camp, and we don’t allow insulin in cabins, which is hard for kids who are good self managers of their blood sugar levels. But a school may be different.</p>
<p>I agree, I think you need to talk to the school. I also think you need to figure out how your son is managing on his own. My friends with kids with juvenile diabetes were diagnosed when they were around 10 so by the time they were in high school they were pretty self sufficient about managing their drugs and how they eat and snack relative to their activity levels. I think one of my girlfriends was very nervous when her son left (for school) just because he was alittle bit of a wild one, but she relaxed into it as the year went by without any major issues. If he was “just diagnosed” you might be more comfortable with some time under your (and his) belt and that would be OK, too, as it’s so important to have things under control.</p>
<p>My D was diagnosed in 7th grade. She went to a boarding hs. She was allowed a fridge in her room, and carried snacks to eat in class if necessary. She was responsible, but there was an on campus 24hr staffed health center to help out. She only needed it a couple times, though. She was a fencer and sb player throughout, and continued the sb throughout college. There was one other diabetic there as well.</p>
<p>My question is how is your son managing his diabetes? Does he test his Blood sugar then self administer Insulin or is he using a pump that can be adjusted. In my hospital, our pediatric diabetics go through a training program with self management with a pump. Very popular and easy to manage. Less intrusive to pts life</p>