 Diabetes occurs when the insulin hormone is not produced naturally within the body.  The body needs insulin in order to breakdown the sugars and starches in our foods which then is produced into energy.  If a diabetic does not receive insulin, glucose will continue to circulate freely into the bloodstream instead of being stored in the liver causing hyperglycemia.  Hyperglycemia is serious condition which causes serious complications such as coma, and death if not treated immediately.

 Type 1 diabetes  Type 2 diabetes  Gestational diabetes, which only occurs only during pregnancy.

 Usually diagnosed in young children.  Can be hereditary.  Can not be prevented.  It is a chronic and incurable disease but can be easily manageable.  Type 1 occurs when the pancreases fails to produce enough of the insulin hormone.

 Commonly occurs in adults, although it is diagnosed in young children.  Can be prevented.  The body does not produce enough insulin or the body is not able to retain the insulin being produced.

 8.3% of the worlds population has diabetes.  25% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are children.  5% of people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has diabetes.  Obesity has been linked to a common factor of diabetes.

 Rapid weight loss  Fatigue or weakness  Nausea or vomiting  Frequent urination  Dehydration  Excessive thirst or hunger  Dry itchy skin  Both type 1 and type 2 have the same symptoms however type 2 diabetes symptoms usually occur slower over an extended period of time

Type 1  can be controlled by monitoring their blood sugar levels.  Frequent insulin injections given by a shot or insulin pump.  Insulin injections must be closely monitored.  If an individual is given to much insulin they can go into insulin shock.  If they are not given enough they can go into a diabetic coma. Type 2  Some may need insulin injections, similar to those with type 1.  Can be controlled through medication or a strict dietary plan without the use of insulin.

 Becoming familiar with administering insulin injections.  Closely monitoring their blood sugar levels.  Making sure they have the right amount of insulin/ medication.  Keeping track of when they need their insulin injections.  Monitoring their daily activities and what they eat.  Most importantly, knowing the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, high blood sugar, a diabetic coma and insulin shock.  Being aware of the steps to take if any of those symptoms occur.  Keep close contact with the parents as well as advising other teachers the procedures and steps to take if something were to happen.

I would educate myself on the disease as much as possible. It is important that I monitor the students blood sugar levels, precisely measuring out the insulin injections. I would also have to monitor the foods they can or can not eat. I also must be aware of the different symptoms that I might be faced with should anything go wrong. Another important aspect I must do is communicate openly with the parents of the child. Together we must make sure I have everything needed on a daily basis as well as an updated emergency contact information. The last important thing is to also educate my students on the disease as well. It is important for them to understand that diabetes is not something they can “catch” from one another. I also want them to be able to stay calm and know what to do if we are faced with a diabetic emergency in my classroom. If they are educated then they will stay calm and react calming instead of panicking.

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