Diabetes presents a minefield of awkward scenarios during a typical day. How will you manage them?

It's your worst nightmare. People snickering behind your back. A teacher glaring at you. And then, the question, loud, rude, from the kid at the next table: "Um...what, exactly, is that?"

It could be your glucose monitor or perhaps an insulin pump. In the best-case scenario, your hecklers might be curious classmates; in the worst, they could be uninformed teachers who confiscate your supplies and land you in detention!

Yes, it's hard to believe, but the very items you depend on to keep you alive and healthy might also look threatening to others, especially when schools are tightening down on pagers, pharmaceuticals, and anything that could be used as a weapon.

To make things worse, many schools are saving money by cutting back on school nurses—which means you may have lost a valuable ally in diabetes care at your school.

Don't Sweat It!

The most important news is the best news: More students experience positive school situations than nightmares. Most of you will enjoy fantastic support from classmates, teachers, school nurses, and principals.

There's plenty you can do before the first bell to start the year off smoothly. Start by making a plan and teaching your teacher about diabetes.