Schools aren’t as plugged in as they should be to kids’ diabetes tech, parents say

School’s Response too Continuous Glucose monitors Raises Concerns for children with Type 1 Diabetes

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management, offering a real-time window into a child’s blood sugar levels. these small, wearable devices, typically worn on the arm, transmit readings to a smartphone app, alerting caregivers when levels stray from a healthy range. This allows for prompt intervention with insulin or a sugary treat,preventing potentially hazardous highs and lows.

While CGMs offer immense promise,their integration into the school habitat presents unique challenges. Parents applaud the technology’s ability to alert teachers to potential dangers, but concerns linger about the limitations of relying solely on a classroom teacher to hear an alarm amidst the bustling school day.

Julie Calidonio, whose son luke uses a CGM, expresses her concerns: “People at the [school] district don’t understand the illness, and they don’t understand the urgency,” she says. Calidonio recounts instances where Luke’s blood sugar dropped critically, and no one was nearby to hear the alarm, highlighting the vulnerability of relying solely on audible alerts in a busy school setting.

This raises crucial questions about how schools can effectively implement CGM technology to ensure the safety of students with Type 1 diabetes.

The Struggle for Remote CGM Monitoring in Schools

For parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, ensuring their child’s well-being at school can be a constant source of concern. The advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology offers a powerful tool for managing this chronic condition, providing a continuous stream of blood sugar readings and alerts. However, navigating the use of CGM in schools presents unique challenges, leading some families to advocate for greater support and understanding.

CGM technology, used by an estimated 300,000 young people in the U.S. living with Type 1 diabetes, empowers parents and medical professionals with valuable insights into a child’s metabolic health. While Type 2 diabetes, often linked to lifestyle factors, also involves blood sugar monitoring, it typically develops in adolescence and may not require insulin.

Schools play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for these students.bonnie Roswig, a lawyer and director of the nonprofit Center for Children’s Advocacy Disability Rights Project, emphasizes the importance of extensive health care plans for children with Type 1 diabetes: “For these children, the plan frequently necessitates frequent CGM checks and prompt responses to any alarms indicating fluctuations.”

lynn Nelson, president-elect of the National Association of School Nurses, underscores the legal imperative for schools to provide this support. “Schools are legally obligated and ethically bound to provide this support,” Nelson asserts,noting that remote CGM monitoring,when deemed necessary by a child’s doctor and parents,is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Challenges Remain

Despite the clear legal and ethical obligations, some schools face hurdles in implementing effective remote CGM monitoring. Staffing shortages, internet connectivity issues, and concerns about the technical complexities of managing these devices present real obstacles.

This resistance has led some parents, like jennifer Calidonio, to pursue legal action. Calidonio filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department against her son’s school district, alleging that their refusal to monitor CGMs violates the ADA.

This case builds on a landmark ruling in connecticut, where the U.S.attorney’s office resolute that remote CGM monitoring constitutes a “reasonable accommodation” under the ADA. however, that legal precedent is currently confined to Connecticut, highlighting the urgent need for nationwide implementation to ensure consistent protection and care for all children with Type 1 diabetes. “Why have this technology that is meant to prevent harms, and we are not acting on it,” Calidonio questions, emphasizing the urgency for change.

This evolving legal landscape and the growing need for comprehensive CGM support in schools underscore the importance for parents to be informed, advocate for their children’s needs, and engage in collaborative conversations with school officials and healthcare providers to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

A New Era of School Safety for Children with Diabetes

Imagine a world where parents feel a sense of calm knowing their child with diabetes is receiving the timely care they need at school.This future is becoming a reality thanks to the increasing use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and evolving school policies.

These innovative devices constantly track blood sugar levels,sending real-time alerts directly to caregivers and trained school nurses. One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how her daughter Ruby’s life has transformed since using a CGM. “Her blood sugar is better controlled, and she is not scared or stressed anymore. She can focus on learning,” she said. “She is happy to go to school and is thriving.”

The shift towards CGM integration in schools is gaining momentum. Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia, driven by passionate parent advocates who lobbied for change, implemented a groundbreaking policy. Beginning in August 2023, school nurses across the district are empowered to monitor and respond to CGM alerts, ensuring timely intervention when needed. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also fosters a more supportive learning environment for children with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to remote monitoring.”School districts should remove barriers to remote monitoring by school nurses or trained school staff if this is medically necessary for the student,” states their updated policy regarding CGMs.

Despite these guidelines, some schools still struggle to effectively implement remote CGM monitoring. Dr. Taylor Inman, a pediatric pulmonologist from San Diego, recently encountered this challenge when her daughter, Ruby, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and began using a CGM. “The alarms from Ruby’s phone were often missed outside the classroom, and I couldn’t always reach someone at the school to ensure Ruby was responding to her blood sugar changes,” Dr. Inman recounted.

This experience is not unique. According to advocate Erin Roswig, both she and attorney Chappell, who specializes in disability rights, have received numerous reports from parents across 40 states facing similar issues. In fact, parents from 10 states have filed formal complaints regarding the specific obstacle of accessing adequate CGM care in schools.

Even within a single district, there can be conflicting approaches. In San Diego Unified School District, a 2020 memo penned by Howard Taras, the district’s medical advisor, recommends that remote monitoring be handled by parents or the child’s doctor rather of school staff. He cited concerns that CGM alarms could be “disruptive to the student’s education, to classmates, and to staff members with other responsibilities.”

Though, Susan Barndollar, the district’s executive director of nursing and wellness, insists that alarms are closely monitored by trained professionals, including teachers and aides, throughout the school day. She acknowledges the logistical challenge of quickly locating a student during an alarm, which could be a valid area for advancement.

As technology evolves and more children rely on CGMs for their health management, it’s crucial that schools adapt and provide robust support systems. Open communication between parents, medical professionals, and educators is key to ensuring that every child with diabetes can thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Navigating CGM Monitoring in Schools: A New Era in Diabetes Care

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are revolutionizing diabetes management, offering real-time blood sugar readings and valuable insights into glucose trends.As this technology advances, its presence is increasingly being felt within school settings, where it holds the potential to substantially improve the lives of students with diabetes.

The integration of CGMs in schools, though, is not without its challenges. Expertise is needed to ensure proper implementation, training, and support for both students and staff. To gain a deeper understanding of these complexities, we spoke with leading experts in education and disability advocacy.

“A key challenge is the ongoing teacher and staff shortage,” explains Bonnie Roswig, director of the Center for children’s Advocacy Disability Rights Project. “Allocating sufficient time and resources for monitoring CGM alarms can be demanding.” Roswig emphasizes the need for proactive measures such as additional staffing support and well-defined protocols to address this issue. She also stresses the importance of comprehensive training for staff on effectively responding to CGM alerts and understanding the significance of individual glucose readings.

Beyond staffing concerns, the legal landscape surrounding CGM monitoring in schools is also evolving. “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and remote CGM monitoring frequently enough falls under this category,” Roswig notes. She points to landmark cases, such as a recent one in Connecticut, that have set a strong precedent for providing this personalized care. Roswig stresses that continued advocacy and awareness are crucial to ensure consistent implementation and enforcement of these rights nationwide.

From a parent’s perspective, the impact of remote CGM monitoring on education and well-being is undeniably positive. “It’s been transformative,” shares Lauren Valentine, parent of a student with Type 1 diabetes whose son utilizes a CGM. “Knowing that his blood sugar is closely monitored at school removes a lot of anxiety for both my son and me. He’s more confident, focused on learning, and no longer stresses about managing his condition during the school day.” Valentine highlights the invaluable peace of mind that comes from the school nurses having direct access to her son’s CGM data, enabling them to work collaboratively to ensure his well-being.

As more schools embrace remote CGM monitoring, it’s clear that this technology has the potential to empower students with diabetes, giving them greater control over their health and enabling them to thrive in educational environments. Addressing the challenges of implementation and training, while ensuring legal protections are upheld, will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of CGMs for students with diabetes.

A Glimpse into Diabetes Management in 2025

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in diabetes management. As the world grapples with a rising number of diabetes cases, groundbreaking innovations are emerging, promising to transform the lives of millions affected by this chronic condition.

While challenges remain, the future is undoubtedly brighter. Technological advancements, coupled with increased awareness and evolving legal landscapes, are paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with diabetes.

The focus is shifting towards proactive and personalized care, empowering patients to take control of their health. Imagine a future where continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) seamlessly integrate with smart devices, providing real-time insights into blood sugar levels and alerting users to potential issues.

This data-driven approach enables healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans with greater precision, optimizing medication regimes and lifestyle recommendations for each individual.

Beyond technological breakthroughs, a essential shift in societal attitudes is crucial. Open communication between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for children with diabetes.

By breaking down barriers and fostering understanding, we can empower every child to thrive, confident that their health and well-being are prioritized.

As we move forward, a collaborative effort between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals with diabetes is crucial to ensure that these advancements translate into tangible benefits for all.

How can schools best allocate resources and staff training to effectively integrate remote CGM monitoring while addressing concerns about teacher and staff shortages?

Navigating CGM Monitoring in Schools: A New Era in Diabetes Care

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are revolutionizing diabetes management, offering real-time blood sugar readings and valuable insights into glucose trends.As this technology advances, its presence is increasingly being felt within school settings, where it holds the potential to substantially improve the lives of students with diabetes.

The integration of CGMs in schools, though, is not without its challenges. Expertise is needed to ensure proper implementation, training, and support for both students and staff. To gain a deeper understanding of these complexities, we spoke with leading experts in education and disability advocacy.

Q: Bonnie, you’ve been at the forefront of advocating for students with disabilities. How do you see the role of CGMs in transforming the educational experience for children with diabetes?

A: “The potential is truly transformative. Imagine a child with diabetes no longer having to constantly check their blood sugar, interrupt classes, or feel anxious about potential lows. CGMs provide real-time data, empowering them and their school teams to proactively manage their condition. This allows students to focus on learning, participating fully, and feeling just like their peers.”

Q: What are some of the key challenges schools face when integrating remote CGM monitoring?

A: “A key challenge is the ongoing teacher and staff shortage. Allocating sufficient time and resources for monitoring CGM alarms can be demanding. We need to find creative solutions like additional staffing support and well-defined protocols. comprehensive training for staff on effectively responding to CGM alerts and understanding individual glucose readings is also crucial.”

Q: The legal landscape surrounding CGM monitoring in schools is evolving. Can you shed light on the ADA’s role in this?

A: “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and remote CGM monitoring often falls under this category. Landmark cases are setting strong precedents for providing personalized care.Continued advocacy and awareness are crucial to ensure consistent implementation and enforcement of these rights nationwide.”

Q: From a parent’s outlook, what impact has remote CGM monitoring had on yoru child’s education and well-being?

A: “It’s been transformative. Knowing that my son’s blood sugar is closely monitored at school removes a lot of anxiety for both him and me. He’s more confident, focused on learning, and no longer stresses about managing his condition during the school day. The school nurses having direct access to his CGM data allows for collaborative care, ensuring his well-being throughout the day. “

As more schools embrace remote CGM monitoring, it’s clear that this technology has the potential to empower students with diabetes, giving them greater control over their health and enabling them to thrive in educational environments. Addressing the challenges of implementation and training, while ensuring legal protections are upheld, will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of CGMs for students with diabetes.