WHAT IS DIABETES?
DIABETES
Diabetes 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