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When a student with type 1 diabetes is unwell at school, their parents or carers need to be contacted to collect them so they can be cared for at home.
How being unwell affects type 1 diabetes
For students with type 1 diabetes, illnesses such as common colds, influenza or other viruses and infections may cause unstable blood glucose levels. Glucose levels can rise and the student often needs more insulin and extra glucose monitoring.
Illnesses that cause nausea and vomiting can very quickly become serious for students with type 1 diabetes, as food and fluids may not be absorbed, leading to low glucose levels and/or dehydration. Contact the student’s parent or carer if they are unwell, especially if they are vomiting, and refer to the student’s diabetes management plan for advice on what to do next.
How to care for an unwell student
If a student is unwell, call their parent or carer and refer to their diabetes management plan for advice. Any student with type 1 diabetes who complains of being unwell or is obviously unwell (such as sleepy, feverish or nauseated), must be continually supervised until collected by their parents or carers. This is because they can become very unwell quickly.
The student should not be left alone in a sick bay because their symptoms may progress suddenly and they may become disoriented, start vomiting or become unconscious.
If the student’s emergency contacts are not available, then call 000 for an ambulance.
Last updated: September 2025