Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is what we most commonly see when children get diabetes. “According to the American Diabetes Association, type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases found in children.” 5 -10% of all diagnosed cases in the U.S. are due to Type 1. Some people also refer to this type as:  diabetes mellitus  insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)  juvenile diabetes  brittle diabetes  sugar diabetes  Two forms  Immune-mediated diabetes Immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin  Idiopathic type 1 Rare form no known cause

Type 2 Most common type of diabetes % of diabetes cases are Type 2. Type 2 is the inability of the body to produce enough, or to properly use, insulin. There is no known cause, but the increase in cases could be due to children and adolescents lack of physical activity and poor eating habits.  Also known as non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).  Runs in families/Inherited  No known cure yet

 High levels of sugar in blood  When tested in blood and/or urine  Unusually thirsty  Often trips to the restroom to urinate  Blurry Vision  Nausea and Vomiting  Extreme Weakness and Tiredness  Moody and irritable  Increased appetite  Loss of weight Type 1 : The symptoms often resemble flu like symptoms. Parents need to be cautious. Abdominal pain is also a symptom only in Type 1. Type 2 : Some could have no symptoms at all. Over half of Type 2 Diabetes patients have no idea they even have it. Some other symptoms Type 2 could have:  Frequent infections that don’t heal easily  Dry itchy skin  Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet

Type 1 & 2 Specific treatment is determined by the child’s doctor based on :  Child’s age, health, & medical history  Extent of Diabetes  Tolerance for specific medication, procedures, or therapies  Parent’s opinion or preference Type 1 Treatments could include:  Changing diet to appropriate foods  Exercise  Regular blood testing  Regular urine testing Type 1 must have daily injections of insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal! Type 2 To control you need to keep blood-sugar levels as close to normal as possible.  proper diet  weight control  an appropriate exercise program  proper hygiene These don’t always work! In some cases you may have to take oral medication and be on insulin as well.

Type 1 A child with Type 1 Diabetes could have a few complications that could affect them:  Hypoglycemia – When blood sugar drops too low  Hyperglycemia- Take s place when the blood sugar is too high  Sign that the diabetes are not well controlled  Ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) - loss of consciousness due to untreated or under-treated diabetes. Type 2- Risk Factors  Age  Family history  Overweight  Not exercising regularly  Low level HDL (high density lipoprotein, the good cholesterol)  A high triglyceride level  Certain races or Ethnic Groups  African American, Native American, and Hispanic American

 Know the basics of Diabetes  Know what type the child has  Know the difference between Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia and the symptoms that occur with each  Know how to check the student’s blood sugar  Have emergency numbers listed  Have information about the child and emergency contacts in case a sub is in the room  Know where the child’s emergency medications are stored  Keep in contact with the family of any changes  Have juice boxes, or some type of sugar in the classroom in case theirs drops too low  Talk to the other students about what diabetes is  Recognize signs of complications taking place  Know the dietary restrictions  Don’t single them out

 If I had a child in my classroom that had either type of Diabetes, I would make sure to let that child know that I am there for them if they need anything at all. I know how difficult this could be for a young child to go through. Also, depending on the age of the classroom I was teaching I might want my students to be aware of this. If the child felt comfortable talking about what it is, and what happens, I think that would be a good opportunity for the students to learn first hand from someone their own age, that talks about it in a way they understand. If the child was not comfortable I would discuss this with the class, letting them know that if something was to happen I might ask for their help calling the front office, or might ask for everyone to give the student space so we could get him/her help. I think allowing your students to know what is going on, helps with the classroom community that teachers want to form, and helps diminish the panic if there ever was a problem.

Marotz, L.R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child. Clifton Park : Delmar. Type 1 diabetes. (2010). Retrieved from html Type 2 diabetes. (2010). Retrieved from html