Questions to ask your healthcare provider about your child’s type 1 diabetes
Prepare for a healthy and successful school year by ensuring you have the answers you need
If you’re the parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, ensuring you have the latest and most accurate information on managing the disease is critical—especially as children head back to school. When you meet with your diabetes care team, write down questions in advance so you can make the most of your time and leave feeling more prepared than ever.
What should I ask my doctor about my child’s type 1 diabetes?
We’ve compiled a list of questions you should feel comfortable asking your doctor before your child goes back to school this year. Bring a notebook and pen (or plan to take notes on your smartphone) so you can refer to their recommendations as needed.
- Should I create a diabetes management plan?
If you haven’t already, work with your child’s diabetes care team to fill out a management plan —or update the previous year’s plan. Then, share the plan with anyone who plays a part in your child’s school day and after-school care or activities. - How does Section 504 relate to my child?
Ask your care team about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and what the school’s responsibilities are to support your child safely and adequately. - How can I ensure my child eats healthy at school?
Your child’s doctor, nurse or other healthcare providers can offer guidance on nutrition and meal planning while your child is at school. - What should I know about exercise, sports and other physical activities?
Make sure to have a conversation with your child’s diabetes care team about any exercise, sports or activities your child plans to take part in during the school year. They can help ensure your child has a safe experience. - What should my child keep in their diabetes kit?
Preparation is key when it comes to managing your child’s diabetes. Confirm with your child’s diabetes care team that you, and where appropriate, your child’s school have the right supplies such as insulin pens, blood sugar meters, glucose tablets, and more. - Are there any new medications I should be aware of?
Your child’s diabetes care team should be in-the-know about any relevant advances in pediatric diabetes management. You can also ask them if your child should keep a glucagon autoinjector on hand like Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection) for treatment of very low blood sugar.
What are other ways I can help my child prepare for the school year?
Check out this blog post for tips on getting ready for the back-to-school season.
Where else can I find support for pediatric diabetes?
Here are other great resources to check out as you manage your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis:
- Breakthrought1d.org
- Diabetes.org
- Healthychildren.org
US-GVK-22-00060 v3.0
Indication
GVOKE (glucagon) is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar in adults and children ages 2 years and above with diabetes.
Important Safety Information
- Do not use GVOKE if you:
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- Have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys, called a pheochromocytoma because of the risk of a substantial increase in blood pressure
- Have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma because of the risk of low blood sugar
- Are allergic to glucagon or any inactive ingredient in GVOKE. Stop using GVOKE and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure
- Before using GVOKE, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and your medical conditions, including if you have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation), have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia), or have a history of a skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema (commonly associated with glucagon-producing tumors)
- The most common side effects reported in adults are nausea, vomiting, swelling at the injection site, and headache
- The most common side effects reported in children are nausea, low blood sugar, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, high blood sugar, pain or redness at injection site, and hives
- Inform caregivers on the Instructions for Use of GVOKE, and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, which include unconsciousness and seizures or convulsions
- Store in original container until time of use, and at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20° C to 25° C)
- You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088
Please talk to your doctor and see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information Guide for GVOKE.