What is Diabetes ?
Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce insulin or does not use it efficiently. This results in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose).
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes), is believed to be caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that may trigger the disease. Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure, there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. The signs and symptoms that are commonly seen in type 1 include: increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, irritability, fatigue, or blurred vision. People with type 1 diabetes must manage blood sugar levels with insulin and check blood sugar several times a day to ensure blood sugar is within targeted range.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Type 2 used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but in recent years more children are being diagnosed with type 2 due to the rise in childhood obesity. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: being overweight, inactivity, family history, or age, areas of darken skin, usually in the armpits and neck. Management for type 2 diabetes includes: lifestyle modifications (healthy diet, regular exercise) and in some cases medication.
Diabetes and School :
If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, let the school nurse know right away. They will develop a health plan in collaboration with you and your child's health care provider. Your health care provider will develop a Diabetes Medical Manage Plan (DMMP) outlining the plan of care while at school, make sure to give a copy to your child's school nurse. Your child will need to have current medical orders on file at school if diabetic management (insulin administration/blood sugar checks) is needed at school. Staff/licensed nurses are trained annually by our Credentialed School Nurses to provide diabetic management. If you are unable to accompany your child on a field trip, a trained staff member will be available during the field trip in case an emergency arises.
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