How To Talk To Your Classroom About Type 1 Diabetes

If you are the parent of a young child with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you may find that their classmates are not familiar with it. That’s pretty normal! Some parents like to educate their child’s class about T1D in coordination with their teacher. 

In this guide, we share some tips on giving a presentation on T1D, with special considerations based on your child’s grade level, from preschool to kindergarten to elementary/primary school.

Whether kicking off a new school year or returning to school after a new diagnosis, one of the best ways to keep your child safe and supported at school is to make sure the people around them understand type 1 diabetes.

1. Present at the right time for your child

If your child has been newly diagnosed, talk with them about what you’ll be doing at their school. It’s important that everyone is aligned and understands why this matters. Some children may feel comforted by the gesture, while others may feel singled out.

Presenting at the right time matters, and only you and your kiddo know what time that is. While presentations are helpful, privately sharing with those who need to know is a good place to start. That’s a non-negotiable! Your child has to stay safe. Their primary teacher, the school nurse and any other adults they regularly interact with must know. Cover your bases first, then consider presentation mode when the time is right.

Once your child feels comfortable presenting about T1D at school, involve them so they feel empowered and emotionally supported. At least ask them whether they want to be included and how, so they can feel some ownership over the decision. T1D has already rerouted their life a lot and can make some kids feel out of control. Let this be an opportunity for them to put their hands back on the wheel! 

They will remember this moment as a pivotal milestone in their diagnosis journey, and it can help build their confidence.

2. Run through this presentation checklist

Presenting about T1D at your child’s school may feel nerve-wracking, whether your child is speaking directly to their classmates alongside you or not. While you may know the ins and outs, navigating T1D with your child doesn’t make you a doctor or nurse. Sure, you’re an expert in your child’s T1D, but not in T1D overall. 

That’s a balanced way to preface your presentation. You’re not a diabetes educator or endocrinologist (unless you are, of course)—you’re the parent of a child with T1D. While that’s an incredibly important role, your healthcare providers also play a critical role you can’t speak to in the same way.

Know the reason you’re presenting, your goals for presenting and your role in the situation. It’s probably to help your child’s classmates get up to speed on how T1D is managed and to share some basics to spread awareness. Once you’ve nailed down your goals and roles, it’s time to prepare to present.

Your T1D presentation checklist: the big 8!

Here are eight key factors to consider and steps to take before presenting about T1D to your child’s classmates:

1. Ask ahead of time whether you can present to the school or class on T1D: usually, you have to schedule these types of events as most schools have thorough, secure check-in procedures and plans. Presenting to the entire school may be overkill or just right. Only you know that! Pitch whatever feels appropriate and comfortable for your family’s situation.
2. Pick a date and time, place and format for the presentation: decide whether the child with T1D will give the presentation, whether both of you will or whether you (a parent or guardian) will present by yourself. To clarify, ask your child whether they would like to help you present, present themselves, or prefer to be part of the audience. Don’t assume how they want to be involved.
3. Discuss topics with your child: your child may want to help choose specific topics to discuss, whether they’re speaking or not. Between you, decide what’s necessary and what’s optional or nice to include.
4. Keep the presentation short: about 15-20 minutes, including a Q&A. Tailor the content to the children’s educational level. Children are more likely to absorb information when it’s presented simply and clearly, in language they understand. Meet them at their level. Don’t fly over their heads, or they won’t retain it. Adjust your language and examples based on whether you’re speaking to preschoolers, elementary or primary school students.
5. Start with simple, basic facts, including guidance on how to handle common questions or misconceptions about T1D: offer more detailed information only if the children ask for it, and remember that more information isn’t always better. Digesting a little at a time is usually best. You know better than anyone that T1D is a lot to take in at once! The language and amount of information shared will vary slightly based on the age group you’re presenting to. If you’re unsure what will land, discuss it with your child’s teacher before bringing it to the entire class. They will have the best gauge.
6. Include props: bring a diabetes “play” kit to demonstrate items your child uses every day. It could include needleless lancing devices, an empty insulin bottle, alcohol swabs, a blood glucose meter (BGM), test strips, glucose gummies or needleless syringes or pump supplies, depending on what your child uses. You can pass these around during the presentation or use them to demonstrate on a doll or toy. Dolls or toys are an excellent demonstration tool on insulin dosing, for example. You could simply mention that the spots on the doll or toy are where your kiddo injects insulin to stay healthy. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, so children understand and stay captivated. Diabuddies from the nonprofit Type One Together are also engaging toys that show your child’s classmates how diabetes devices work in a fun, age-appropriate way.
7. Bring relevant children’s books: you could also rent some children’s books about T1D from your local library or purchase some to give to the class. Many children’s book writers with T1D live with it themselves or support a kiddo managing it. They may have the words you’re struggling to find while presenting. This can be a great way to engage your child’s peers, keeping them interested and learning.
8. Prepare for the Q&A ahead of time to avoid any mishaps: do your own homework if you need to. And if you don’t know the answer to something, simply say “That’s a great question. I’m not sure of the answer right now, but I’d love to look it up for you and report back.” You can always research at home and then let the teacher know the answer later so they can share it with the class at the best time following your initial presentation. You don’t want to make something up to appear superior and mislead them just for the sake of being timely. The right answers can always wait! It’s okay if adults don’t know the answer sometimes.

3. Run through this presentation checklist

While it’s important to keep your presentation as clear, simple and engaging as possible, there are certain topics you don’t want to miss.

Here are three of the most common questions you may be asked and some ideas on how to answer them:

1. What is T1D? T1D is something happening inside (insert your child’s name here)’s body that makes it hard for them to manage simple things like eating, exercising and sleeping. Something called their pancreas doesn’t work.
2. How do you get T1D? Scientists—the super smart people out in the world—aren’t exactly sure, but it might be from (insert your child’s name here)’s family or something around us, like a sickness or the environment.
3. How do you take care of yourself if you have T1D? They have to take care of their body with something called insulin. This keeps them healthy! They have to manage with different tools and do a lot of math, but don’t worry, today’s tools make it easier. (That would be a good time to physically reference their insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor [CGM] if they wear them, by pointing to it if they’re comfortable.)

Use these as jumping-off points! Prioritize language that feels natural to you as a parent, and tailor it to your child’s grade level or any other important customizations you deem appropriate alongside their teacher. You could even have the teacher review your content before you present to make sure it hits the best marks! 

Your goal is to leave a strong, lasting impression on these kids’ lives. The best way to do that is not to produce it in a silo. Invite collaboration. It leads to empowerment, engagement and information retention.

4. Prepare to answer some tough questions about T1D

As a parent, you may hear their classmates ask:

• Does treatment (like injections and finger pricks) hurt?
• Is T1D contagious?
• Can you die from it?
• Why do you have to test your blood?
• Will it ever go away?
• Do you know someone who has it?
• Can you eat sugar?
• When might you need sugar?

While jarring, these questions are pretty normal, especially for little ones. We’re sure you’ve heard even more inquisitive questions from your own kiddo! The best way to handle this is to think through what you’d want your child to hear if they asked it. That can help you approach it with the sensitivity, protectiveness and realism it requires. 

Children’s minds go to silly and strange places sometimes. Try to reframe as much as possible without misleading them and keep them focused on the interesting aspects of T1D. This will reflect on your child too, and can help them approach it the same way.

5. Consider the bigger picture

Presenting about T1D may feel scary for you as a parent, but it can also empower you, your child and their classmates. You control the narrative and have a lot of influence over how your child and their peers feel about it. Seize this opportunity to turn a challenging condition into a challenge you can tackle with joy, confidence and community. Your child’s peers can use the information you share with them to become allies and advocates. You never know what could come from it! Embrace the opportunity for all it’s worth.

Navigating a new diagnosis is hard, but you’re not in it alone. Connect with other parents and caregivers on topics like this and more, especially as little ones head back to school in the fall. Join our Community Apps!