Download Diabetes File

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.’
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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
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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