Type 1 DiabetesGail Hanson

EEC 47311/29/10

(American Diabetes Association)

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

An Autoimmune Disease◦“…the immune system

attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin.”

Is usually diagnosed in children & young adults

Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease

(WebMD)

Signs & Symptoms.

DehydrationIncreased urinationConstant hungerBlurred visionWeight lossExtreme FatigueDry, itchy skinNausea or vomiting

(Marotz, 2009)

Living with Type 1 Diabetes

One living with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin shots daily

Along with the insulin, they must also track their glucose levels

Also, they must regulate their diet and activity.

(American Diabetes Association) (Marotz, 2009)

Type 1 in the Classroom…

Teacher’s must become familiar with a child’s treatment regime◦ Insulin shots◦ Glucose level checks◦ Diet◦ Activity limitations (if any)

Teacher’s must be able to recognize the signs of any complications with the disease◦ Insulin intake too large or

too small…

(Marotz, 2009)

Parent/Teacher Communication

As a teacher, make sure to meet with the parents of your student with Type 1 Diabetes◦Talk about their child’s

condition◦Talk about the different

behaviors & appearances that could signal you any complications with their disease

(Marotz, 2009)

Addressing in the Classroom…

With parent consent, I would discuss diabetes with the class and see how many students are affected with the disease (whether they have it themselves, or a family member, friend, etc.)

Talk about how the student lives each day with Type 1 Diabetes, possibly showing the rest of the class what they do daily (not demonstrating, but showing what they use…)

Also, discussing how we can be helpful to the student and me, the teacher, if we notice them acting differently. That way, if it were diabetes related, we could take the necessary steps to get them back to normal.

(Marotz, 2009)

Works Cited…

(n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2010, from WebMD: http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-overview

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2010, from Diabetes Basics: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/

Marotz, L. R. (2009). In L. R. Marotz, Health, Safety, & Nutrition for the Young Child (p. 110). Clifton Park: Delmar Learning.