1. DIABETES Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition caused by the failure of the body to regulate the blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated by insulin produced in the pancreas. Children who suffer from diabetes normally have type 1 diabetes; this is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes. These children will be required to take insulin for the remainder of their lives. More common is type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with obesity and is also found in older people. Hyperglycaemia – This is where there is a higher than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Hypoglycaemia – This means that there is an abnormally low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, and the child’s body does not have enough energy to carry out activities. There are 3 common causes for a diabetic child’s sugar levels to become low: Missing a meal Over exercising Insulin overdose

2. Oxygen + Food = Energy = LIFE Why is low blood sugar so dangerous? glucose Brain cells can only use glucose (sugar) for energy. Diabetes – low blood sugar

3. High Blood Sugar Low Blood Sugar Onset Slow Fast Levels of response Deteriorate slowly Deteriorate rapidly Skin Dry and Warm Pale, cold, sweaty Breathing Deep sighing breaths Shallow and rapid Pulse Rapid Other symptoms Excessive urination Very thirsty Hunger Fruity smell on breath May be confused for drunkenness, bizarre, uncharacteristic, uncooperative behaviour Diabetes 39

4. TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA ●Sit the casualty down ●Give them a sugary drink (If effective give more) ●Follow this with sweet food ●Monitor and reassure them ●If this has no effect dial 999/112 ●If they become unconscious, put the casualty in the recovery position, maintain their airway and breathing. Diabetes TREATMENT OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA ●Call for an ambulance ●If unconscious – recovery position ●Monitor breathing and response levels.