Now, diabetic kids can carry insulin, glucometer inside classrooms in UP Pradeep, July 24, 2023September 23, 2023 Students with type-1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, will now have permission to carry insulin and glucometers with them in classrooms and examination halls. This decision was made by the state government based on the recommendations of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The NCPCR stated that since children spend a significant amount of time in schools, it is the responsibility of schools to provide special care for those with type-1 diabetes. This ruling applies to all schools from grades 1 to 8 under the basic education department. The Director General School Education (DGSE), Vijay Kiran Anand, mentioned that although schools informally allowed children with type-1 diabetes to carry their necessary items, there were no formal guidelines until now. With the government adopting the NCPCR’s recommendations, schools are now required to allow children with type-1 diabetes to carry insulin and glucometers inside classrooms and exam halls. In response to the DGSE’s directives, the Joint Director of Basic Education, Ganesh Kumar, issued an order to all Divisional Education Directors (Basic) and Basic Education Officers (BSAs), emphasizing the importance of strict compliance and implementation of these guidelines. According to the guidelines, children with type-1 diabetes may need to check their blood sugar levels, inject insulin, have snacks during mid-morning or mid-afternoon, and engage in diabetes care activities if prescribed by a doctor. Teachers must allow these activities to take place in the classroom, even during exams. Additionally, children can participate in sports according to medical advice. As per the guidelines, children with type-1 diabetes appearing in school or competitive exams should be allowed to carry sugar tablets, medicines, fruits, snacks, water, biscuits, peanuts, and dry fruits with them into the exam hall. These items should be entrusted to the teacher to be given to the child as needed. Moreover, staff should permit children to bring their glucometer, glucose test strips, CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring), FGM (Flash Glucose Monitoring), and insulin pumps to the examination hall, as these devices are attached to the child’s body. If the use of a smartphone is necessary for monitoring blood sugar levels, it can be given to the teacher or invigilator for supervision. NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo had previously appealed to all states, citing data from the Diabetes Atlas 2021 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), which ranks India as having the highest number of children with type-1 diabetes in the world. He emphasized that India has a total of 8.75 lakh children struggling with this disease who need insulin injections and regular blood sugar testing throughout the day. Negligence regarding their care can have detrimental effects on both their physical and mental health. Recent News