The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) applauds South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden for signing House Bill 1143 (HB 1143) to support students living with diabetes and other chronic conditions by ensuring they can possess and self-administer necessary medications, including insulin, during the school day and school-sponsored activities.
“The ADA strongly supports policies protecting student health, promoting independence, and upholding equal access to education,” said Matt Prokop, the ADA’s state government affairs director. “HB 1143 is an important step toward ensuring South Dakota students living with diabetes can manage their condition safely and effectively while in the school setting. We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Rhoden, the prime bill sponsors, Senator Sydney Davis and Representative Taylor Rehfeldt, and members of the South Dakota legislature for their support.”
Diabetes must be managed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It does not pause when a student enters the classroom, boards a school bus, or participates in extracurricular activities.
Students with diabetes require immediate access to medications, supplies, and equipment to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, respond to high or low blood glucose levels, and prevent and treat life-threatening emergencies. Delayed access can place a child’s health and safety at serious risk.
The ADA’s Safe at School® principles affirm that students who are capable of self-managing their diabetes should be permitted to do so in all school settings. HB 1143 aligns with these principles by allowing students, with appropriate written authorization from a parent and a physician or licensed health care professional, to carry and use their prescribed medications and related supplies.
Additional Safe at School resources are available at /SafeAtSchool. To receive information and guidance about a school diabetes care issue, contact the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or AskADA@.
###
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
