Diabetes in School Interior Health March 2010
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which the body cannot use the glucose (sugar) found in food Not contagious Without glucose the body starves 2
Type 1 Types of Diabetes The pancreas does NOT produce insulin Type 2 The pancreas does not produce ENOUGH insulin or the body RESISTS the action of insulin
What is Insulin? Hormone produced in the pancreas Allows our cells to use the glucose (sugar) Without it, our body can t create energy 4
Diabetes Management Keep glucose levels balanced by: Healthy eating Daily exercise Taking insulin Monitoring blood glucose 5
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) Medical Emergency Caused by: Missed or late snack/meal More exercise than usual Too much insulin Illness 6
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) Paleness Mood/behaviour changes Tired Weak Sweating 7
Emergency Treatment of Hypoglycemia If a student has symptoms of low blood glucose, ALWAYS give sugar even if unsure student has low blood glucose Insist that student eat or drink Student should have extra supplies in locker/desk/main office/backpack If not: 3 tsp. sugar dissolved in water or juice or regular pop or 1 tbsp of honey HYPOGLYCEMIA IS LIFE THREATENING IF LEFT UNTREATED. -> seizures/coma or death 8
Emergency Treatment of Hypoglycemia Consult NSS Individual Care Plan or Medical Alert Plan for a specific treatment plan. NEVER leave the student alone 9
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose) A concern, but NOT an immediate risk Caused by: Missing insulin injection Illness Extra food intake Decreased activity Stress 10
Call Parent/Guardian if the Student: 1. Vomits 2. Becomes lethargic 3. Loses appetite 4. Feels unwell/sick 5. Has a fever 12
How is insulin given at school? Student or parent administers the insulin with an insulin pen or a syringe or an insulin pump 11
Roles & Responsibilities Within the School Child/Youth Family Nursing Support Services School Public Health Nurse 13
The Family s Responsibility Provides information to the school Provides copy of Doctor s treatment plan Medical Alert Bracelet/Necklace for student Provides snacks, lunch, and emergency foods May teach classmates about diabetes Provides supplies and equipment 14
Role of Nursing Support Services Coordinator Provides student specific training for teacher(s) and teaching assistants Develops Individual Care Plan for younger students or those cognitively unable to manage their own diabetes needs Offers support to school staff, family and student Role of Public Health Nurse Responsible for general diabetes teaching for school staff and student s peers in consultation with the family (unless family prefers to teach classmates) Serves as a consultant throughout the school year 15
Role of School Staff Familiarize themselves with the student s emergency plan and symptoms of low blood glucose and be able to respond appropriately Monitor student after treatment for low blood glucose Allow student to eat/drink and have access to the bathroom as requested Ensure that student eats snacks/lunch Inform parents of changes in student s health or eating habits 17
School staff trained by Nursing Support Services Coordinator are able to: Assist student with: The task of blood glucose monitoring, interpretation and recording of results Emergency management of low blood glucose Supervision of administration of insulin Safe disposal of sharps/blood testing strips 16
Resources BCCH Endocrinology & Diabetes Unit http://endodiab.bcchildrens.ca Information from: Awareness of Students with Diverse Learning Needs, What the Teacher Needs to Know, Volume 1 (Ministry of Education) http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/awareness/39.htm Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca/ Information adapted from: Vancouver Island Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Nursing Support Services PowerPoints 18
Any Questions? 19