​Peace of Mind: Creating a Type 1 Diabetes Emergency Information Sheet for Your Child

Peace of Mind: Creating a Type 1 Diabetes Emergency Information Sheet for Your Child

As a parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), preparedness is more than just a lifestyle—it’s a necessity. From the daily routines of blood sugar monitoring to unexpected highs and lows, managing T1D requires constant vigilance. One of the most practical tools you can provide for your child’s safety is a T1D Emergency Information Sheet.

Why Every Child with T1D Needs an Emergency Sheet

Whether your child is at school, a birthday party, or on a field trip, there’s a chance they’ll be under the care of someone unfamiliar with diabetes management. An emergency sheet acts as a vital safety net, offering quick access to lifesaving information in moments that matter most.

It ensures that teachers, caregivers, bus drivers, camp counselors, and even first responders know exactly what to do in case of a diabetes-related emergency—especially when you’re not there to guide them.

What to Include

The emergency sheet should be simple, clear, and accessible. Here are the essentials:

• Child’s Name and Diagnosis Details
• Emergency Contacts (including parents, doctors)
• Insulin Type and Delivery Method
• Signs and Symptoms of Highs and Lows
• Step-by-Step Treatment Instructions
• Location of Supplies (glucose tabs, insulin, glucagon)

It’s also wise to include notes on how your child typically behaves when they’re experiencing low or high blood sugar, and any specific phrases or gestures they use to signal that they need help.

Where to Keep It

Print several copies and keep them:

• In your child’s backpack
• With the school nurse
• In the classroom or front office
• At after-school care or with babysitters
• Alongside your child’s diabetes supplies

Laminating it can help keep it durable and clean.

Peace of Mind for You—and Empowerment for Others

The emergency information sheet not only prepares others—it gives you peace of mind. And it gives your child confidence, knowing they’re protected even when you're not right by their side.

If you haven’t already created one, we’ve put together a free Emergency Information Sheet to get you started. Let’s ensure every child with T1D has the safety net they deserve.

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T1D EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET

CHILD’S INFORMATION

• Name: [Your Child's Full Name]
• Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
• Diagnosis: Type 1 Diabetes
• Diagnosis Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACTS

1. Name: [Parent/Guardian #1]
   Phone (Mobile): [###-###-####]
   Phone (Work): [###-###-####]
2. Name: [Parent/Guardian #2]
   Phone (Mobile): [###-###-####]
   Phone (Work): [###-###-####]

PHYSICIAN CONTACT

• Doctor’s Name: [Pediatric Endocrinologist]
• Clinic/Hospital: [Name of Clinic]
• Phone: [###-###-####]

INSULIN INFORMATION

• Insulin Type: [e.g., Humalog, Lantus]
• Delivery Method: [Pump / Pens / Syringes]
• Insulin to Carb Ratio: [e.g., 1:15]
• Correction Factor: [e.g., 1 unit lowers BG by 50 mg/dL]

BLOOD GLUCOSE TARGET RANGE

• Target: [e.g., 80–150 mg/dL]

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

• Shaky, dizzy, sweating, pale, irritable, confused
• Treatment: 15g fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tabs, candy)
• Retest BG after 15 minutes. Repeat if still low.

Severe Low (Unconscious/Seizure)

• DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH
• Administer Glucagon (if trained)
• Call 911 immediately
• Then contact parents

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

• Frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, stomach pain
• Check ketones if BG > 250 mg/dL
• Give insulin correction dose if needed

SUPPLIES LOCATION

• Glucose Meter
• Test Strips
• Insulin & Delivery Method
• Glucose Tabs/Juice
• Ketone Strips
• Glucagon or Baqsimi

OTHER NOTES

• Child can eat all foods, just needs insulin before meals/snacks.
• Needs supervision for BG checks and insulin dosing.