Nearly half of the states in the U.S. currently have a policy in place that restricts or bans student cell phone use in school.
For students with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who use technology to manage the condition, this can present challenges.
How do cell phones help with managing type 1 diabetes?
Technology can make managing T1D easier and safer. Cell phones have increasingly become part of the standard of care for type 1 diabetes.
Cell phones are often used in connection with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track and manage blood sugar levels. CGMs linked to a cell phone also provide a way for parents to see their child’s blood-glucose in real-time so they have the ability to intervene remotely via text to their child or the school nurse.
In addition, some insulin pumps connect to cell phones to allow for mobile insulin dosing, including the Omnipod 5 and the Tandem tSlim: X2.
In the event of a T1D emergency, a cell phone can also provide the student with a way to contact their parents or school nurse if they need help.
“For students with type 1 diabetes, having access to a cell phone allows for maximum independence in their diabetes care, therefore, not missing class time,” says Shannon Dutton, Senior National Community Engagement Manager at Breakthrough T1D.
The importance of a 504 Plan
A 504 Plan is a legal, written document that specifies what reasonable modifications and accommodations the school must provide for a student with a disability, including type 1 diabetes. 504 Plans are a way for parents to hold the school accountable for meeting their child’s needs while in the school’s care.
“It’s important for students with T1D to have a 504 Plan in place to ensure their accommodations are clearly outlined for school staff,” Dutton says. “Having a cell phone listed as a medical device in a student’s 504 Plan allows them to have unlimited access to their phone throughout the day for glucose monitoring or insulin dosing.”
Keeping the lines of communication open
Parents and schools must work together to ensure students with T1D have access to the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
Breakthrough T1D offers a variety of printable educational materials that parents can share with school staff for a better understanding of T1D management and technology:
- Using Technology to Manage Type 1 Diabetes
A detailed overview of how T1D technology works, including CGMs, automated insulin delivery systems, and smart pens. - What I Want My Teachers to Know About T1D
An explanation of type 1 diabetes and how it’s managed from the student’s perspective to the teacher. - What You Need to Know About Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
An educational guide about the signs and causes of low blood sugar and how to treat it. - What You Need to Know About Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
An educational guide about the signs and causes of high blood sugar and how to treat it
