Diabetes
The board of St Joseph's School is responsible for providing a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Education and Training Act 2020). We aim to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and others with diabetes at school or school-related activities by identifying and eliminating (or minimising) risks, being prepared to respond if needed, and raising awareness about diabetes. People with 
diabetes have specific health needs and symptoms can be brought on by a range of factors (e.g. not eating enough, skipping a meal, or exercise). We support students with diabetes to participate fully in school life by working closely with their family and applying for funding where available. See Health Support.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to control its blood glucose (sugar) levels adequately. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a key role in helping the body process and regulate sugar levels.
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which generally occurs in childhood when the body cannot produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by poor food choices or lifestyle. It cannot be prevented but can be managed through medication (e.g. taking insulin), food, and exercise.
- Type 2 diabetes is much more common and occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by eating healthy and staying active. It is managed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diabetes New Zealand: What is diabetes? 
School responsibilities
We support students with diabetes by working with the student, their family/whānau, and healthcare professionals (e.g. diabetes nurse educators) as appropriate.
To safely manage diabetes at school and school-related activities, we carry out the actions below. If a person is showing signs of low or high blood sugar, we respond quickly. We follow their individual plan if they have one and/or our first aid processes. See Managing Injuries and Illness.
- We keep a record of student health information in our student management system. We inform relevant staff about specific student needs. Staff have access to specific student health information as appropriate and are familiar with the medical needs of students they have regular contact with.
- We communicate with the parents/caregivers of a student with diabetes to create an individual plan, which includes agreement about how they will be kept informed about student day-to-day diabetes management.
An individual plan outlines any health conditions a student has and the support they need to manage it. These plans are usually referred to as health, management, or action plans. Students may need a plan if their condition requires regular medication, monitoring, management, adaptation of the learning environment, and/or hospitalisation.
Plans are developed collaboratively, and generally involve the student, parents/caregivers (whānau), and a health professional. The principal and other staff members may also provide input during this process. The plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure it is kept up to date.
An individual plan considers the needs and situation of an individual student and their whānau. This may include assessing expectations around care, supervision, and treatment (e.g. medication), potential barriers to learning, procedures to follow in an emergency, and communication methods. The plan includes student details, information used to develop the plan, agreed processes to support the student, and written agreement from parents.
Action Plans (Allergy New Zealand)
Asthma Action Plans (Asthma Respiratory Foundation NZ)
Diabetes in schools (The Paediatric Society of New Zealand)
- We have clear processes for managing diabetes medication, supplies, and equipment at school. We work closely with the student and their family to ensure the right supplies and equipment are available at all times. This may include a blood glucose testing kit, pump supplies, insulin, and carbohydrates.
- We ensure staff working closely with a student with diabetes are aware of their individual plan and are trained to recognise the signs of high and low blood sugar levels and respond appropriately in the case of a diabetic emergency. We monitor students with type 1 diabetes when they have low blood glucose (also known as hypoglycaemia or "hypo") and allow them to eat and drink as needed.
- We support self-care by capable students by allowing students to test their blood glucose levels and inject insulin in the classroom.
- We consider the needs of students with diabetes when planning activities at school and EOTC events, including taking medication, juice and snacks, planning for possible medical help, and having emergency contact numbers. If possible, the parents/caregivers of students with high-needs diabetes attend school trips.
Also see Medicines.
We record diabetic incidents that require emergency medication or first aid. We report any incidents as appropriate. See Recording and Reporting Injuries and Illness.
Responsibilities of others
We expect everyone at school or school-related activities to take care of their health and notify school staff if they need support.
In order to ensure the safe management of student diabetes, we expect students and parents/caregivers to take the actions below.
Parents/Caregivers are expected to:
- advise the school, at enrolment or any time afterwards, if the student has diabetes
- communicate with the school to create an individual plan and keep this up to date
- follow school processes for managing medicines including supplying and replacing any necessary diabetes medication, supplies, and equipment (e.g. blood glucose testing kit and insulin pump)
- provide written consent for the school to store and/or administer medication, including emergency treatment
- help the student to understand and manage their diabetes as appropriate.
We expect students to tell a staff member if they are feeling unwell and/or if their glucose levels are too high or low.
Related topics
Resources
: Term 3 2025, Term 3 2022, Term 4 2020
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