Diabetes Caring for children with diabetes in a
Diabetes Caring for children with diabetes in a community program 2013 -06 -26
Diabetes Lack of insulin - used to transport glucose from the blood into cells Type 1 – Pancreas is unable to produce insulin – Daily insulin injections required Type 2 – Pancreas does not produce enough insulin or body does not effectively use insulin – Insulin may be required
Management of Diabetes Insulin Food Exercise
Food • Eat same amount of food (carbohydrates) each day • Eat same time each day • No trading or disposing of food • Plan for special events
Insulin • Needle & syringe • Insulin pen • Insulin pump Community program personnel are not responsible for giving insulin
Exercise • Regular exercise helps lower blood glucose levels • Plan for vigorous physical activity – Sports or other physical activities that take place during meal time require extra planning – Notify parent/guardian of days that involve extra physical activity
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) • • Blood glucose below 4 mmol/L Emergency situation Can happen within minutes Possible causes – not eating enough food – missing or delaying a meal – more physical activity than usual – taking too much insulin 7
Signs of Hypoglycemia • • Cold, clammy or sweaty skin Shakiness; lack of coordination Irritable, hostile, poor behavior Tired Sudden moodiness or behavior change Difficulty concentrating, confusion Staggering gait Child may complain of – nervousness – excessive hunger – headache – blurred vision – dizziness – abdominal pain or nausea • Fainting, unconsciousness 8
Responding to Hypoglycemia 1. Give child fast-acting sugar. 2. Wait 10 -15 minutes. If no improvement, give another fastacting sugar. 3. Wait 10 -15 minutes. If no improvement after 2 nd treatment, call parent/guardian. 4. If unable to contact parent/guardian or emergency contact, call 911/EMS. IF IN DOUBT, TREAT! 9
Severe hypoglycemia If child seizures or becomes unconsciousness 1. Call 911/EMS. 2. Put child in side lying position. 3. Notify parent/guardian. DO NOT give food or drink DO NOT leave the child alone 10
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) Blood glucose higher than child’s target range • Not an emergency situation • Possible causes – too little insulin – too much food – less than the usual amount of activity – illness – stress 11
Signs of Hyperglycemia – increased thirst – tiredness – urinating more often Inform parent/guardian as directed in child’s health care plan. 12
When Child is Sick 1. Contact parent/guardian. 2. If child is vomiting and cannot retain food/fluids and parent/guardian or emergency contact cannot be reached, call 911/EMS. 13
Child specific information • • • Type of diabetes Location of fast acting sugar Plans for meals, exercise, special events and blood glucose monitoring Health Care Plans are located in child file and binder
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