One of the students in my practicum classroom just got diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. It has been interesting to watch the other students’ curiosities surrounding this one student. The student was away from school for a week or so when he was first diagnosed, so we didn’t meet him until the second or third time we went into the classroom. But the first day he was back the other students were very interested in what he was doing and what he had to do to check his levels.
Right now, the student is trying to figure out what his levels are and what his range is going to be, so he is constantly checking his blood sugar level throughout the day. He has his kit, and a bunch of extra snacks in a container on his table. It has been a learning experience for the teacher as well as the students, but both seem to be very positive and kind about asking questions. A couple weeks ago, another girl in the school who has diabetes came and compared her kit with his kit and shared what she does during the day and how she feels. She told him if he needed help, he could come ask her. It was very cool to see this little girl aid in a positive experience.
This past week, this student started to not feel well during class, and he asked to go to the office because he thought he might be sick. It was interesting to see how this situation was handled, and how positive and kind everything was done. He sat in the office until he felt better, and the teacher, and principal checked on him. One of the students in the classroom brought him his kit and his extra snacks so he would have everything he needed. Everyone in this classroom is now more aware of this student, but not in an overwhelming way, they just know what to look for and what to do if he starts feeling a particular way.
To be in the classroom while this was happening was very informative and educational. To see how this type of health issue is dealt with and the measures put in place to help this particular student. It will help me in the future if I happen to have a student who had diabetes as well.