SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison will ensure schools can provide undesignated prescription glucagon to students with diabetes suffering from a hypoglycemic emergency.
“Diabetes requires lifelong, timely and attentive maintenance to ensure proper blood sugar levels,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Hypoglycemic emergencies can happen at any time – it is imperative that we equip school professionals with the resources and training needed to assist during a health emergency.”
Glucagon is a life-saving medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia, which works by raising blood glucose levels to a safer range. Leaving hypoglycemic emergencies untreated can lead to confusion, seizures or even loss of consciousness.
Roughly 300,000 children across the nation have Type 1 Diabetes, and without school access to lifesaving medication, it can be difficult for a student to get the care they need during a hypoglycemic emergency.
The new law allows a school district, public, charter or non-public school to maintain a supply of undesignated glucagon, a supply that is not prescribed to a specific person. It also requires a school nurse or other trained personnel to administer the undesignated glucagon to students if needed.
“By equipping our schools with undesignated glucagon, we are ensuring children can continue to get the medical care they need while in the classroom, when they need it most,” said Morrison.
Senate Bill 3051 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.
