Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

If a student's middle school prohibits carrying a BG meter or insulin, what advocacy step should the educator take?

1. Teach the student how to check BG within school rules

2. Show the student how to hide supplies in the bathroom

3. Contact school officials to clarify and modify policies

4. Encourage parents to contact the school board

The correct answer is: Contact school officials to clarify and modify policies

The most appropriate advocacy step an educator should take in this situation is to contact school officials to clarify and modify policies regarding the carrying of blood glucose meters and insulin. It is crucial for students with diabetes to have access to their necessary medical supplies at all times, especially during school hours, to manage their condition effectively and prevent potential health crises. By reaching out to school officials, the educator can present a case for the importance of having diabetes management tools readily available. This may involve sharing information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or relevant state laws that protect students with medical needs, advocating for the creation or modification of school policies to better support students with diabetes. The goal is to ensure that these students have the necessary accommodations to participate fully and safely in their education while managing their health. Teaching the student to check blood glucose (BG) levels within school rules might seem like a helpful approach, but it does not address the underlying issue of access to necessary supplies. Hiding supplies in the bathroom is both unsafe and could lead to non-compliance with medical needs, which is not a viable solution. Encouraging parents to contact the school board is a possible step, but it may lack the immediate actions needed to resolve the issue effectively. Engaging directly with