Middle school comes with its own set of challenges — and for someone living with T1D, one of those challenges can be as simple as having their phone nearby.
My sister, Ava, uses her phone to read her blood glucose levels through the Dexcom app. But in a school with strict no-phone policies, misunderstandings can happen if staff are not aware.
Why Communication Matters:
If teachers, yard supervisors, or office staff are unaware of the medical need for phone use, situations can arise where someone with T1D feels:
- Isolated
- Targeted
- Embarrassed for simply trying to manage their health
How to Help Prevent Conflicts:
To avoid these uncomfortable moments, clear communication before the school year begins is key. What has worked for us:
- Send an email to teachers and school staff a week before school starts, explaining the need for phone use to monitor glucose levels.
- Inform the school nurse and office staff, so they can help advocate if questions arise.
- Encourage open communication, and consider creating a simple, discreet signal between the student and teacher to indicate they may need to visit the nurse without drawing attention.
When teachers and staff are informed, everyone becomes part of the support system. The goal is to make sure someone with T1D feels safe, understood, and able to focus on learning — not on explaining themselves.
Small steps in communication make a huge difference in building trust and creating a positive school experience for everyone.
LifeBeyondTheNumbers 
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