Awareness of Students with Diverse Learning Needs,
What the Teacher Needs to Know, Volume 1

Diabetes is not an infectious disease. It results from the failure of the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin. Without insulin, the body does not absorb the sugar in food, either through a shortage of insulin or because the insulin produced does not work effectively. The supply of insulin in the body may be stimulated by oral medication or be replaced by injection. Diabetes can not be cured, but it can be controlled through planned eating, insulin supplementation, and regular physical activity.

A child with diabetes can participate in all school activities. While it is necessary at times to assist the child in monitoring food intake and activity, it is unnecessary and unhealthy for the child with diabetes to receive undue attention or concern. Rather, focus on the child as a child, not as a "diabetic."

Teachers need to be aware of the child's developmental age, as the special needs and limitations caused by diabetes may not be fully understood by the student until about age 10 or 12. With support and encouragement, the child will gain increased confidence in assuming responsibility for the condition.