Which guidance is appropriate when discussing diabetes with a parent of a child who plays on a soccer team?

• A. Children with diabetes who participate in active sports can have episodes of hypoglycemia
• B. The child may have to leave athletic teams if school authorities learn that they have diabetes
• C. The school nurse will treat the child if clinical findings of hypoglycemia are recognized early
• D. The coach might violate confidentiality by discussing the child's condition with other faculty members

Answer: (A)

Avoiding surprises during activity is the key idea. Exercise increases glucose use by muscles, so a child with diabetes can develop hypoglycemia during or after soccer if their plan isn’t adjusted. The best guidance to give a parent is that while sports are possible and common for kids with diabetes, there's a real risk of low blood sugar and a clear plan is needed to prevent it. That plan includes checking blood glucose before activity, having quick-acting carbohydrates on hand during the game or practice, and coordinating ahead with the healthcare team about snack or insulin adjustments so lows are minimized. This prepares the parent to keep their child safe on the field.

Other statements are less appropriate because they either imply exclusion from sport, rely on a single provider’s action, or misconstrue confidentiality. The focus should be on acknowledging the hypoglycemia risk and implementing a practical, safety-focused plan.