Why schools need clear guidelines for children with Type 1 diabetes

Veni E N

Jan 02, 2026

Health

Health

When a child’s blood sugar drops suddenly inside a classroom, minutes can make the difference between recovery and a medical emergency.

Health

Yet across schools, children are often asked to “wait till break” before eating, seek permission to check their blood sugar, or follow rigid classroom rules.

Health

Children with the condition depend on regular insulin, frequent blood sugar monitoring, and immediate access to food or glucose to prevent dangerous fluctuations.

Health

“Schools are where children spend most of their waking hours. Any delay or restriction can have serious consequences,” said Shashikant Iyengar, founder of Metabolic Health India.

Health

According to Iyengar, allowing children with Type 1 diabetes to eat during class and carry glucose, snacks and monitoring devices should be treated as a medical right, not a privilege.

Health

Ad-hoc decisions by individual teachers or principals can put children at risk, experts said. Written guidelines ensure clarity, accountability and consistency.