Understanding Diabetes Medical Management Plans (DMMPs): A Guide for Parents and Schools
Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) requires daily attention, consistent care, and clear communication—especially in school settings where parents aren't present. One of the most important tools to ensure safety and consistency for children with diabetes is a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). This document provides detailed instructions on how to care for a student’s diabetes while at school and serves as the medical foundation for any 504 Plan or Individualized Health Plan (IHP).
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a DMMP is, why it’s essential, who writes it, how to use it, and what a strong DMMP should include. At the end, you’ll find a comprehensive example of a DMMP you can adapt with your child’s healthcare provider.
A DMMP is a written document provided by a child's diabetes healthcare provider that outlines specific instructions for diabetes care in school or child care settings. It serves as a legally recognized medical directive and informs school nurses, teachers, and staff about how to support the student throughout the school day.
The DMMP includes individualized recommendations for:
The plan must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider and should be updated annually or whenever there is a change in the student’s diabetes care regimen.
Without a clear plan, staff may not know how to respond to symptoms, understand device technology like CGMs or insulin pumps, or recognize when a situation is an emergency. A DMMP removes guesswork and provides standardized responses for predictable and unpredictable scenarios.
For students, the DMMP ensures:
For school staff, the DMMP provides:
For parents, the DMMP provides:
The DMMP must be completed and signed by the child’s diabetes healthcare provider, which may include an endocrinologist, pediatrician, or certified diabetes educator.
Parents should actively participate in preparing the DMMP, as they bring insights into their child’s typical patterns, sensitivities, and preferences. The school nurse may also provide input to tailor the care plan for the school environment.
Once complete, the DMMP should be submitted to the school nurse, 504 coordinator, or administrative team to initiate staff training and plan implementation.
The DMMP serves as the clinical reference for day-to-day diabetes care. School nurses and trained staff should keep a copy on file and refer to it regularly. It should also inform the development of any related 504 Plan or IHP.
It should be accessible to:
In an emergency, the DMMP provides the exact steps for glucagon use, insulin adjustments, and parent contact. It also gives school staff confidence in making decisions and offers legal backing for their actions.
A well-developed DMMP should be clear, personalized, and actionable. Below are the key components:
Student Name: Ethan Brooks
DOB: 09/22/2014
Grade: 6th
School Year: 2025–2026
Parent Contact: Stephanie Brooks, (555) 789-1122
Physician: Dr. Maria Linton, Pediatric Endocrinologist
Diagnosis: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Date of Diagnosis: 03/10/2020
Uses Insulin Pump: Yes (Tandem t:slim X2)
Uses CGM: Yes (Dexcom G7, data shared with parent)
Signatures:
Physician: _______________________
Parent/Guardian: _______________________
School Nurse: _______________________
Date: ________________
A DMMP is more than paperwork—it’s a critical safety net for children living with Type 1 Diabetes. It bridges the gap between home and school, empowers staff to act confidently, and ensures children are safe, supported, and included in every aspect of school life.
As a parent, advocate for a strong DMMP and collaborate with your healthcare provider and school team to review and update it annually. Combined with a 504 Plan and proper staff training, the DMMP helps your child with diabetes thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
Resources for Parents and Schools
If you need help customizing a DMMP for your child, reach out to your pediatric endocrinology team or certified diabetes educator.
