Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus is a lifelong condition that occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin as well as it should.
Our bodies create glucose, a form of sugar, from the sugars, starches and proteins in the foods we eat. Glucose is then used by our bodies for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin travels through the blood and allows glucose to get into the cells of our bodies. If the body is not producing enough insulin or can’t use what insulin it has properly, glucose builds up in the blood. Diabetes is managed by balancing insulin, food, and exercise. It can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations if it is not managed properly . It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
The symptoms
of diabetes...
A person with diabetes may experience SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:
L
Excessive thirst
L
Unexplained weight loss
L
Extreme hunger
L
Sudden vision changes
L Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
L Feeling very tired much of the time
L Very dry skin
L Sores that are slow to heal
L More infections than usual.
People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician for diagnosis.
What are the
types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent).
People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. The exact cause
of Type 1 is not known. Previous infections, substances in the
environment, and genetic factors may contribute to the development of Type
1 diabetes. Type 1 may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of
diabetes.
Gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnant women but
usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. Women who have had
gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for developing Type 2
diabetes later in life.
Other specific types of diabetes result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses. Such types of diabetes may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
How is
diabetes treated?
Treatment of Type 1 diabetes: Lack of insulin production by the pancreas makes Type 1 diabetes particularly difficult to control. Treatment requires a strict regimen that typically includes a carefully calculated diet, planned physical activity, home blood glucose testing several times a day, and multiple daily insulin injections.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes: Treatment typically includes diet control, exercise, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases, oral medication and/or insulin.
Diabetes management in school
The school nurse is an important part of the treatment team for children with diabetes. She supports the diabetes management plan set up by the family and medical team. This may include testing blood glucose levels, injecting insulin, or working with an insulin pump during the school day.
Links
National Diabetes Education Program
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases
American Diabetes Association
American Dietetic Association
International Diabetic Athletes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International
American Diabetes Association’s page on Type I Diabetes
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
Kids Online
National Library of Medicine’s MedLine Plus Page on
Diabetes