A Growing Challenge
Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 300,000 Canadians, with roughly 10% diagnosed before age 14. For these children, school is where they spend most of their waking hours — and where diabetes management can be most challenging.
A 2025 survey by Diabetes Canada found that 40% of parents reported their child experienced a diabetes-related emergency at school in the past year, and 25% said school staff lacked adequate training.
Provincial Policy Landscape
Ontario's Sabrina's Law requires schools to maintain individual plans for students with life-threatening conditions, including type 1 diabetes. Alberta and British Columbia have similar frameworks, but implementation varies widely. Quebec recently introduced Bill 47, mandating diabetes training for all school personnel.
Technology as Equalizer
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been transformative. Devices like the Dexcom G7 and Libre 3 can send real-time glucose readings to a teacher's phone, alerting them before a child goes dangerously low. Some school boards in Ontario now provide shared CGM monitoring stations in classrooms.
What Parents Can Do
Create a detailed diabetes management plan with your child's endocrinologist. Meet with school administration before the school year begins. Ensure backup supplies are always available. Connect with local Diabetes Canada chapters for advocacy resources.
