Diabetes Info Fast and Furious Facts …

23 million have diabetes in the US 5-10%Type 1 1 in every 400 kids have Type I diabetes Type II diabetes is significantly rising in children

CMS has about 400 children with Type1 (unknown how many with Type11)

Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death

Three types of diabetes 1. Type I (Insulin Dependent)2. Type II (Diet Controlled)3. Gestational (Pregnancy Onset)

What Is Diabetes?

A disorder of the pancreas -The pancreas stops making insulin, an essential hormone in the body.

Insulin is the key that allows glucose to enter the cells.

Glucose is used by every cell in the body for energy

Diabetes occurs when either:

The body produces no keys

(no insulin production)

( Type 1 Diabetes)

Or, the body produces defective keys that will not

open, the cell door locks.

(Type 2 Diabetes-Insulin Resistance)

NOT contagiousNOT caused by

eating too much sugar

Is caused by the body’s inability to make insulin

Results in high blood sugar levels

Can be treated only with a combination of insulin, diet and exercise

Type 1 Diabetes

Auto-immune component Cannot be prevented Defect in carbohydrate metabolism

Pancreas unable to make insulin Need insulin injections

Type 2 Diabetes

Accounts for more than 90% of the diabetes population in the world!

Cells become resistant to insulin Usually because of insulin deficiency Can usually control with diet & exercise 80% of Type 2 cases are preventable

Blood Sugar Monitoring Tips for assisting a child with

blood sugar monitoring: Make sure the hands are warm,

clean & dry Wear gloves (Universal Precautions) Set up meter with the test strip

(most meters turn on when you place the strip in)

Make sure the meter is coded for the test strip used

Treatment Options: Type 1Currently most students are

taking insulin by: syringe insulin pen

device INSULIN PUMP

Insulin pump is a machine that uses a small catheter under the skin to deliver insulin. (The pump is about the size of a pager)

Carbohydrate Counting

Carbohydrate is found in the food we eat. When digested, carbohydrates

breakdown into sugar. Examples of carbohydrate include

breads, rice, cereal, potatoes, cake, fruit and many others!

Hyperglycemia

May occur if student:Is becoming ill (even a cold)Eats too muchMisses insulin dose

Or not enough insulin on board

Is under a lot of stress (exams, emotional, etc)

Certain medicationsCan result in ketoacidosis

HIGH

(High Blood Sugar Is NOT A Medical Emergency)

Treatment of Hyperglycemia

Test blood sugar Check Health

Care Plan. Notify parents if

over 250mg/dL Drink water Insulin

HIGH

Hypoglycemia

Most likely to occur:When meals or snacks are missed

or delayedAn insulin dose that is too highExtra exercise or activityWhen strenuous activity occurs

just before lunchDuring a lengthy field trip or field

day activity. (Remember to have a snack when going out for fire drills)

LOW

(Low Blood Sugar)

SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR

Weakness or tiredness

Shaking

Headache

Anxious, Pale

Personality Changes

LOW

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

1. Conscious and able to swallow:

Glucose tablets--start with 2-4 4 oz. Juice (apple or OJ) Wheat Crackers & cheese or Ritz Crackers (with

Cheese) Milk Regular soda (not diet) is an option though just like

a candy bar it will spike up the BS quickly, but not last

Symptoms should improve within 10-15 minutes. If not, repeat.

If longer than 1 hour until next meal or snack, give small snack containing protein (cheese crackers or milk)

IF NO METER IS AVAILABLE & THE STUDENT FEELS SICK, GO AHEAD & TREAT AS IF STUDENT IS LOW

LOW

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

2. Conscious, but uncooperative, or disoriented

Give glucose gel, tube of clear frosting or packet of honey

Lay student on side and squeeze into pocket of the cheek (just like Skol !)

LOW

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

3. Unconscious or having a seizure

Not enough sugar is getting to brain!

Call 911 immediately Give Glucagon if ordered Give nothing by mouth Notify parents

LOW

Hints for Success

Develop good relationship with parents/guardians; they know your student’s health concerns well.

Follow accommodations as listed in the health care plan &/or 504/IEP.

Notify family early of field trip plans. Notify family of special events that may

involve classroom treats or changes in the school lunch schedule.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about care.

...Please Remember

Never allow student to walk alone when feeling low (to go check blood sugar) Allow free bathroom privileges Allow water bottle or access to fluids Allow snacks when feeling low &/or

certain snack break Encourage BS testing prior to big exams

(EOGs) or allow to re-test if it is felt BS affected the results