Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel.

If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes — when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes — and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy but may resolve after the baby is delivered.

House Bill 984 requires that:

• An individualized health care plan be developed for each student with diabetes who will seek care for diabetes while at school or while participating in a school activity.  The plan must be submitted:
  • Before or at the beginning of each school year, upon enrollment, or as soon as practicable following diagnosis.
  • Developed and signed by the student’s parent/guardian and the physician responsible for the student’s diabetes. and must include:
    • The health care services the student may receive at school.
    • Evaluate the student’s level of understanding and ability to manage their diabetes.

A particular form is not required.  However, a sample has been provided for your convenience.

Click here to print a sample Diabetes Care Plan. 

Click here to print a supply checklist for Type I Diabetes.

The parent/guardian must also sign an agreement that authorizes an unlicensed diabetes care assistants to assist the student in the absence of a school nurse.  The school nurse will provide a copy for you to sign.