Despite advances like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, consistent classroom support remains out of reach for many children. Not because the tools don't exist but schools are often unwilling or unable to use them.

A survey of nearly 500 parents makes this concrete. While almost all of the participants’s children use CGMs and most parents monitor remotely, fewer than half of schools do the same. The result: missed lows, untrained staff, and policies that block real-time oversight. Over 80% of parents have had to go to school to intervene, and 17% left their jobs entirely so they could be available.

This isn't a technology problem, it comes down to policy. Before modern tools, managing blood sugar levels and insulin dosing in school consistently pulled students away from the classroom. Today that gap could be closed, but outdated school policies and inadequate training keep shifting the burden back onto families.

The Department of Justice has ruled that remote CGM monitoring qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. In this podcast episode we sit down with Dr. Taylor Inman, Pediatric Pulmonologist and T1D Parent, who created this enlightening survey. Through our discussion we break down what the data shows, what these rulings mean in practice, how school care plans work, and what parents can do to advocate for better support.

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Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.