Diabetes at SchoolLevel II Training

GCISDHigh School Edition

Diabetes at School

House Bill 984• Passed by the79th Legislature

»Effective September 1, 2005

»Health and Safety Code Sec. 168

Diabetes at School

Rehabilitation Act – Section 504

Protects persons with disabilities from being excluded from participation in any program or activity receiving federal funding

A 504 plan may be written to specifically state the accommodations necessary to meet the student’s needs at school.

Diabetes at School

Self-care by the student:In accordance with the student’s individualized health plan,a school shall permit the student to attend to themanagement and care of the student’s diabetes, which may include:•Performing blood glucose checks

•Administration of insulin

•Treating hypo and hyperglycemia

•Student can be in possession of supplies

•Management of the disease in the classroom, on school grounds and at any school related activity

Diabetes at School

“Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.” (American Diabetes Assoc. 2003)

Diabetes at School

Diabetes means “to run through” in Greek

Mellitus means “honeyed” in Latin

Diabetes Mellitus translates as

excessive, sweet urine.

Diabetes at School

Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that impairs the way the body uses food.

In diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin or the body cannot use the insulin properly.

Diabetes at School

As a result, diabetics must carefully balance

Food…..Medications…..Activity Levels

MedicationsFood

ActivityLevels

Diabetes at School

Type I Type IIPancreas does not

produce insulin

Insulin is produced, but not used properly

Must receive injections Disease may be managed through diet and exercise

Most common type among

school-age children

May need oral medications and/or injections

Obesity is considered a high risk factor

Diabetes at School

Special considerations: The student may need to visit the nurse during

class for management

It is the responsibility of the teacher, student and nurse to ensure testing/medications are administered on time. * most high school students are self care and can treat in class. Please talk with the nurse to find out if your student is self care or requires assistance

Special arrangements should be made for field trips and class parties.

Diabetes at School

Special considerations:

The student may need to eat a snack in the classroom to maintain targeted blood glucose range. This should be determined by blood testing.

Depending upon maturity, glucose testing may be performed in the classroom. *The nurse has orders from the physician determining if self care is appropriate.

Diabetes at School

Special considerations: Quick acting sugar should be available at all

times. We are trying to train our older students to carry their own.

A diabetic snack is small and should be quick. Please notify the nurse if you are seeing your diabetic snacking throughout class.

Diabetes at School

Special considerations:

Students should always have free access to water, allowed to carry a water bottle

Students should have free access to the restroom.

Students should be allowed to go to the clinic at any time.

Diabetes at School

Special considerations:

Insulin will be administered in the clinic (except in high school, according to DMMP/IHP)

Some students may wear an insulin pump which automatically administers calculated amounts of insulin.

Diabetes at School

Hypoglycemia…

Caused when the body getstoo much insulin, too little food,

a delayed meal, or more exercise than usual.

What to watch for:

•Light-headedness

•Irritability

•Confusion, inability to follow directions

•Sleeping in class

•Headache

•Hunger

•Shakiness/fainting

Low sugar/glucose level

Diabetes at School

Hyperglycemia…

Occurs when the body gets too little insulin, too much food, or too little exercise

May be caused by illness and stress

What to watch for:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent trips to the restroom

• Blurred vision

• Fast heart rate, rapid breathing

• Nausea/vomiting

Diabetes at School

Treatment:Allow a student with symptoms to go to the

nurse

Never send a student with symptoms to go to the clinic alone. They can be escorted by another student.

Only staff members (RN, Sub RN, UDCA) who are trained in diabetes management should treat a student with symptoms.

Diabetes at School

Treatment:

Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia

Insulin Quick acting sugarWater

Emergency treatment Glucose gel Glucagon

• Juice• Snacks• Glucose tablets

Diabetes at School

Untreated symptoms can lead to...

EMERGENCIES

• Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can be potentially life threatening if the symptoms are not treated

• Hypoglycemia may lead to seizures and/or unconsciousness

(must be treated with glucagon and 911 called)

Diabetes at School

Remember to…. Check with your school nurse for questions,

concerns regarding your diabetic student

Clip the “A Guide to Managing Diabetes at School” to your attendance/grade book for your substitute’s reference

Give ADVANCE notice of field trips to your school nurse

Diabetes at School

Sources:

Richardson ISD

Texas Diabetes Council

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Pediatric Education For Diabetes in Schools(PEDS)