WHAT IS DIABETES?

DIABETESDiabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no cure

The body does not make or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert food into energy (glucose).

Insulin serves two purposes - it unlocks cells to allow blood glucose to enter AND it turns off the production of excess glucose produced by the liver

TWO TYPES OF DIABETES

Type I - an auto-immune disease; beta cells of the pancreas are damaged and do not produce insulin or not enough insulin

Type II - the body is unable to use the insulin produced; insulin is not able to unlock the cells to allow the blood sugar to enter and be used for energy. Over time insulin production may stop.

IF YOU HAVE DIABETES

blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia) and ultimately some of it gets secreted into the urine and the body loses its energy source

Untreated levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and lead to serious health complications

DIABETES

The result in both Type I and Type II is high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia)causing increased thirst and urination, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and blurred vision

DIABETES

Treatment involves a balance of diet, exercise, and medication

Insulin is used to treat hyperglycemia in Type I and some Type II diabetics

Effective Management

is crucial for the safety of the student

for the long-term health of the student

to ensure the student is ready to learn and fully participate

to avoid a medical emergency

TWO COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

HYPERGLYCEMIA - high blood sugar

HYPOGLYCEMIA - low blood sugar

HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most urgent and most frequent complication of diabetes

Blood sugar can drop as a result of not enough food, too much insulin, too much exercise or any combination

Hypoglycemia

symptoms may include feeling shaky, sweaty, hungry, tired, dizzy, confused, weak, headache, irritable

if not treated immediately, can lead to more severe symptoms of unconsciousness and seizures

HYPOGLYCEMIA

• A student should NEVER BE LEFT ALONE if he/she FEELS HIS/HER BLOOD SUGAR IS LOW

• have the student escorted to the nurse’s office

Treatment for Hypoglycemia

if blood sugar is below 70 or if student feels his/her blood sugar is low give a fast acting sugar such as, 4 glucose tabs, 4 ounces of juice or regular soda, 7 life savers, 15 Skittles, 10 sweet tarts, 4 tsp. sugar

NOT chocolate or a candy bar

have student escorted to the nurse’s office

BASIC CARE AT SCHOOL

Goal - is to maintain a target blood sugar generally 80-120

This is accomplished by regular blood sugar monitoring and giving assistance in an emergency

BASIC CARE AT SCHOOL

follow the student’s IEP, 504, Emergency Plan

allow student to check blood sugar before lunch, before activity, before dismissal, and anytime the student feels the need

allow the student to go to the nurse as needed

allow snack and water as needed

allow to use bathroom as needed

HYPERGLYCEMIA

is the result of too much food, too little insulin, or too little exercise

the body is under stress such as illness

this is less of a concern in school as complications from it are not immediate

symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, nausea

HYPERGLYCEMIA

treatment is a dose of insulin

sugar free fluids can also be helpful if insulin is not available or it is too soon for another dose of insulin

NO NEED TO PANIC

diabetics usually can feel when their blood sugar is high or low

generally, the student will tell you when he/she needs to check his/her blood sugar

If a student feels his/her blood sugar is low, offer/suggest a fast acting sugar and send to the nurse with a buddy

DIABETES

WORKING TOGETHER WILL ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SUCCESS FOR OUR DIABETIC STUDENTS