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Understanding Diabetes: Essential Information for School Nurses and Caregivers

This guide provides essential information about diabetes, focusing on its causes, the role of insulin, and the management of blood sugar levels. It explains the differences between hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), including symptoms, treatment protocols, and important considerations for school environments. A health care plan tailored for diabetic students is emphasized, alongside tips for fostering communication with parents and guardians. This resource supports nurses and caregivers in ensuring the well-being of students with diabetes.

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Understanding Diabetes: Essential Information for School Nurses and Caregivers

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  1. DIABETES Janell Eastman, M.Ed, RN Granite School District Nurse

  2. 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

  3. INSULIN • Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell. Glucose stays in the bloodstream, creating high levels of blood sugar.

  4. Diabetes is: • NOT contagious • NOT 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

  5. Hypoglycemia LOW (Low Blood Sugar) • Most likely to occur: • When meals or snacks are missed or delayed • When strenuous activity occurs just before lunch • During a lengthy field trip or field day activity.

  6. SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR LOW • Weakness or tiredness • Shaking • Headache • Anxious, Pale

  7. Student’s with Hypoglycemia will: LOW • Have a blood sugar level below 80mg • Need treatment depending on type of reaction. Three levels of reactions: • Conscious and able to swallow • Conscious but uncooperative or disoriented • Unconscious or having a seizure

  8. Treatment of Hypoglycemia LOW • Conscious and able to swallow: • Glucose tablets--start with 2 • Juice • Regular soda pop (not diet) • Milk • Symptoms should improve within 15-20 minutes. If not, repeat. • If longer than 1 hour until next meal or snack, give small snack containing protein (cheese crackers or milk)

  9. Treatment of Hypoglycemia LOW • 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

  10. Treatment of Hypoglycemia LOW • Unconscious or having a seizure • Call 911 immediately • Give nothing by mouth • Notify parents

  11. Hyperglycemia HIGH (High Blood Sugar Is NOT A Medical Emergency) • May occur if student: • Is becoming ill • Eats too much • Misses insulin dose • Is under a lot of stress

  12. Extreme thirst Frequent urination Dry skin Hunger Drowsiness Nausea Blurred vision Symptoms of Hyperglycemia HIGH

  13. Treatment of Hyperglycemia HIGH • Test blood sugar • Check Health Care Plan. • Notify parents if over 250mg/dL • Exercise • Drink water • Insulin

  14. HEALTH CARE PLAN • Be familiar with specific emergency plan for each diabetic student • Contact school nurse with questions • Know where student’s supplies and snacks are stored • Have easy access to emergency contact phone numbers • Notify substitute teacher of location of health care plan

  15. 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. • 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.

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