Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to educate parents of preschool-aged children about type 1 diabetes. It aims to provide informational materials to help parents recognize the signs and risk factors associated with the disease and to understand the importance of early screening and treatment.

Main Provisions

• Development of Materials: The bill mandates the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of health and education, to create informational materials on type 1 diabetes. These materials need to be ready and available online by October 1, 2025.

• Distribution to Parents: Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all school districts and charter schools offering preschool programs are required to provide these educational materials to parents at least once every school year.

• Content of Materials: The informational materials must cover:

  1. A detailed description of type 1 diabetes.
  2. Identification of risk factors and warning signs.
  3. Recommendations for consulting a child's primary care provider if warning signs are observed, which may lead to immediate screening.
  4. An overview of the diabetes screening process and implications of test results.
  5. Guidance for parents on consulting with healthcare providers for treatment planning following a diabetes diagnosis.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill proposes the addition of a new section, chapter 142D, to Minnesota Statutes. This addition enforces the development and distribution of specific health educational materials concerning type 1 diabetes for preschool programs, which is a new requirement in Minnesota's health and education sectors.

Relevant Terms

• Type 1 diabetes
• Preschool programs
• Informational materials
• Risk factors
• Warning signs
• Screening process
• Endocrinologist