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WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIABETES www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. ‘Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose. MINI GUIDE TO DEFINITIONS OF DIABETES ‘Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose. Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. The main symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time - especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush and blurred vision.’ • • Untreated diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries 1.4 million people in the UK are known to have diabetes • More than 75% of these have Type 2 diabetes • A further 1 million people may have undiagnosed diabetes • Asian and Afro-Caribbean people are more prone to developing diabetes • Both sexes are equally effected • There is no such thing as ‘mild’ diabetes - diabetes is a serious condition that must be treated to avoid life threatening complications Diabetes UK • There are a limited number of jobs that people with diabetes are not allowed to DIABETES - SOME FACTS TO CONSIDER • There are two main types of diabetes, Type do: - Armed forces 1 and Type 2 - Airline pilot • Type 1 is also known as insulin dependent - Cabin crew - Offshore work - including any job on diabetes cruise liners • Type 1 usually appears before the age of 40 - Train driving - Any job that requires a large goods • It is treated by insulin injections and diet vehicle or passenger carrying license • Type 2 is also known as non insulin dependent diabetes With the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act, many of these ‘blanket bans’ are likely to be challenged. • Type 2 usually appears after the age of 40 • It is treated by diet and exercise 1 / DIABETES EFFECTS ON LEARNING EFFECTS ON LEARNING MAY INCLUDE: • Having to eat and drink regularly. Where this cannot be done in the teaching area, the student may miss short periods of the session. This disrupts concentration • • • • • • TEACHING TECHNIQUES SHOULD INCLUDE: Most students who have diabetes will need few adaptations to teaching methods. However it is recommended that tutors consider the factors above when planning teaching sessions. Needing to urinate regularly and more frequently than peers. This may cause students to miss short periods of the TO ASSIST A STUDENT IN THE session. This disrupts concentration ORGANISATION OF THEIR WORK: Most students with diabetes will not need Needing to leave the teaching session assistance in the organization of their work to take insulin injections. This disrupts as a direct result of diabetes alone. Where concentration there have been complications arising from the condition, such as vision problems, Diminished concentration - this is the Additional Support Team can provide especially likely if the student is insulin practical help, advice and guidance. dependent. As the effects of theprevious insulin injection diminish the student may In general it will be beneficial for a student become increasingly confused. This with Diabetes if you can: disrupts concentration • Treat them as you would any other student Examination concessions may be required if the student is insulin dependent to allow • Make allowances for eating and drinking as time to take the required injections, required and to allow eating and drinking in the examination room • Inform them of any unusual physical activities in advance Requiring additional insulin, adjustment to the diet, when prolonged exercise is • Ask the student what assistance, if any, planned. Students with diabetes should be they require warned in advance of any unusual physical activities, e.g. trips and visits involving • Be aware of the indications of and prolonged walking, sports or dance treatment for hypoglycemia sessions etc Reduced or damaged vision. It is important to ensure that course materials and handouts are produced in an appropriate font size and that contrast between text and paper is sharp. (See information booklet on ‘Visual Impairment’ for more guidance) 2 / DIABETES GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES GUIDELINES ON PROCEDURES IF A STUDENT HAS A HYPOGLYCEMIC ATTACK: Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level drops below that required by the body to maintain activity. This is most likely to occur if a person with diabetes has taken insulin and missed a meal, has not eaten regularly or has taken excessive exercise. Excessive exercise combined with a missed meal will almost always result in an attack. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE BEING: • Drowsy • Dizzy • Cold and/or clammy • Shaky/weak • Pale • Sweaty THE PERSON MAY ALSO HAVE: • Headache • Rapid pulse • Tremors • Reduced concentration Treatment is to provide a sugary food or drink to raise blood sugar levels quickly. This can be done by giving the person: • Cola (not diet) • Orange or apple juice • Sweets • Glucose tablets People who have diabetes should carry a supply of sweets, drinks or glucose tablets to take if they develop any combination of the symptoms described. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE SOUGHT IF: USEFUL CONTACTS USEFUL IN HOUSE CONTACTS: USEFUL ADDRESSES: David Sharp Access to Learning and Personal Support Manager [email protected] Tel: 01484 536521 Ext: 7941/7542/2306/2899 Diabetes UK 10, Parkway London NW1 7AA Janet Fawcett Health and Safety Manager [email protected] Ext: 7285/2225 [email protected] Tel: 020 7424 1000 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 25, Gosford Street London W1W 6EB Tel: 020 7436 3112 www.jdrf.org.uk • The person loses consciousness or has seizures Diabetes Education Network www.healthtalk.com/den • Eating and/or drinking does not improve symptoms within 10 minutes BBC Health www.bbc.co.uk/health/diabetes • Symptoms increase • Symptoms are severe IF IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENT, CONTACT COLLEGE FIRST AID STAFF EXT ????. IF NECESSARY REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF PARAMEDICS / AMBULANCE. 3 / DIABETES 4 / DIABETES