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From Parents
From School Nurses & Administrators
- What is involved in having my child screened as part of the program?
If your school participates in the program, you will receive a permission form
to participate in the risk factor screening. This form asks you to circle any
risk factors your child has that you know about (i.e. ethnicity or family history).
Once you have given your permission for screening to occur, your child's school nurse
will determine your child's body mass index for age, a measurement based on height and
weight and plotted on a growth chart. There are separate charts for boys and girls.
Children with a body mass index for age above the 85th percentile are most at risk for
type 2 diabetes, especially when other risk factors are present.
In addition, the school nurse will check the back of your child's neck for a sign of
insulin resistance known as acanthosis nigricans, or AN. This is usually seen as a
darkened, sometimes thickened area on the skin. If it is suspected that your child
has this sign, you should discuss this with your child's doctor to see if further
testing is warranted.
- Who should I notify if I am concerned and/or want to have my child screened?
If you are concerned that your child may have risk factors for type 2 diabetes,
first contact your child’s doctor. To participate in the school-based risk
factor screening, contact your child's school nurse for details and a permission slip.
- Are there any programs that can help our family make healthy lifestyle changes?
RWJ Hamilton offers various programs for families that are looking to make
healthy lifestyle changes. See our online listing of classes, programs and
support groups, including the SHAPEDOWN© weight management program for children,
and nutrition services.
- My child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Do they need to see a physician who specializes in this?
First speak with your child's current doctor or the doctor who diagnosed them with diabetes.
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of diabetes as well as other
diseases and can be extremely helpful to you and your child. A pediatric endocrinologist
is a doctor who specializes in treating children with all types of diabetes. You may also
want to consider visiting a certified diabetes educator who can help you and your child
develop an individualized diabetes management plan. A registered dietitian can help you
with diabetes meal planning. A diabetes team approach involving all of these health care
professionals can best help your child live a full and active life with diabetes.
- How can my school participate in the Diabetes Screening and Support Program for
Children and Teenagers in Mercer County?
Contact the program coordinator, Cathy Wright, at (609) 584-2877 for further
information and to schedule an informational session for your district.
School administration must first agree to district participation before the
program can be implemented. Next, school principals agree to have their
school participate via a signed letter of understanding. Then, school nurses
in participating districts will participate in educational sessions designed to
provide information on risk recognition,
reduction and the screening and follow-up process.
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