134 / 138
134
DoDEA School Health Services Manual 2942.0 Volume 1 Revised: 2016 DRAFT
I-14
Diabetes, What School Personnel Need to Know
What School Personnel Should Know About the Student with Diabetes
Information Adapted from a Handout Prepared by American Diabetes Association, Committee
on Diabetes in Youth, Endorsed by the National Education Association, Department of School Nurses
All school personnel who service a student with diabetes must be informed and
understand the fundamentals of diabetes and its care.
Diabetes results from failure of the pancreas to make a sufficient amount of insulin.
Without insulin, food cannot be used properly. Currently, diabetes cannot be cured, but it can
be controlled. Treatment consists of daily injections of insulin, a prescribed food plan, and
exercise. Students with diabetes can participate in all school activities and should not be
considered different from other students except in their need to follow a prescribed
medication and diet plan to control their diabetes. Communication and cooperation between
sponsors/parents/guardians and school personnel can help a student with diabetes have a
well-adjusted school experience.
The student may need to test his or her blood glucose several times a day to
determine how high or low the blood sugar is. The student should be allowed to carry food
and treat a reaction as soon as it occurs to avoid a severe reaction which can result in loss of
consciousness and convulsions.
Insulin Reactions:
The most common problem a student with diabetes might experience at school is an
insulin reaction. Insulin reactions occur when the amount of sugar in the blood is too low.
This is caused by too much insulin, failure to eat before strenuous exercise, stress, or delayed
or skipped meals. Under these circumstances the body sends out numerous warnings signs.
If these signs are recognized early, giving some form of sugar can properly treat reactions. If
a reaction is not treated, convulsions and/or unconsciousness may result. The student may
recognize many of the following warning signs of low blood sugar and should be encouraged
to report them. However, many students do not recognize the warning signs and need to be
monitored for the early warning signs. Never leave a student alone during a low blood sugar
reaction.
Warning signs of Insulin Reactions:
Excessive hunger
Blurred Vision
Poor coordination
Perspiration
Irritability
Nausea
Pallor
Crying
Headache
Confusion
Nervousness
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Trembling
Inability to concentrate
Inappropriate actions/responses
Treatment:
At the first sign of any of the above warning signs:
•
Send student accompanied with another to nurse’s office/main office OR
•
Notify school nurse to come to the student
Never send the student unaccompanied to the school nurse/ main office.