Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents: what's new?

As providers of care for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), it is imperative that the school nurse is familiar both with the legal framework guiding protection of these students' rights in school and with ongoing developments regarding management of this disorder. Federal legislation, designed to prevent discrimination and to allow children and adolescents with certain disabilities and chronic disorders such as Type 1 DM to fully participate in activities within the academic setting, is a major consideration for those providing care in schools. Understanding of recent developments and future trends in the management of Type 1 DM is essential for the school nurse to facilitate optimal care for students with this disorder. These consist of new types and activity of insulin preparations, alternative devices for insulin delivery, improvements in glucose monitoring, and changes in nutritional management along with upcoming developments in Type 1 DM management.