Because their condition affects every aspect of their daily  life, children and adolescents with diabetes are faced with more problems than are many of their peers without diabetes. The greater part of their day is spent at school, and this is where many of the greatest problems lie. Dealing with diabetes in school is one of the most important topics in the daily life of many families. The 2007 online WebTalk survey, conducted in eight countries as part of the DAWN Youth survey, has contributed to an increased understanding of the issues faced by children and adolescents with diabetes. Of all the aspects studied – interactions with family and friends, leisure activities, work, further education  and school – school was a clear priority for attention and improvement. Karin Lange reports on the findings of the survey relating to diabetes in the school environment.