DIABETESHealth Issues affecting young children

Objectives

What is diabetes? What are the signs/symptoms? How is diabetes managed? What teaching modifications can be

made in the classroom? How can diabetes be addressed in

the classroom?

Statistics

Children25%

Adults75%

People Diagnosed with Di-abetes

Statistics (cont.)

10%

90%

2-5 years old

Overweight

30%

70%

6-17 years old

Overweight

Type 2 diabetes could soon reach epidemic proportions in children because it is often associated with obesity.

Overview

Two types of diabetes are Type 1 & Type 2

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce or properly use insulin.

Insulin, a hormone, is necessary to metabolize carbohydrates and to store and release glucose.

The onset of diabetes in children is often occurs abruptly.

Type 1

The pancreas fails to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

Chronic, incurable, and often hereditary

Type 2

The pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin.

Or the cells in the body are not able to use the insulin properly.

Often referred to as adult-onset diabetes.

Symptoms

Rapid weight loss Fatigue and/or weakness Nausea or vomiting Frequent urination Dehydration Excessive thirst and/or hunger Dry, itchy skin May have mild symptoms or none at

all

Management

Type 1

Must have insulin injections many times a day

Have glucose levels checked Closely regulate diet/activity The use of an insulin pump

eliminates the need for injections.

Type 2

May require insulin injections Or regulated through careful dietary

management and/or medications to help the body utilize glucose

Teacher Modifications

Meet with families of children with health issues:

To get valuable information about child’s condition and how to identify changes in behavior and appearance.

To determine dietary restrictions and medical procedures to be followed.

To make plans for handling medical emergencies.

How to address to the class Have a general class with health

conditions your students may have. Use simple terms and teach not to be

ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid. Do not mention a specific child. Go over healthy eating habits and the

correlation between healthy eating habits and feeling well.

Provide opportunities for building self-esteem.

Health Issues

We discovered

The health condition diabetes. The symptoms of diabetes. The management of diabetes. How to modify the classroom for

children with this health condition. How to address this health condition

to the class.

References

Marotz, Lynn R. (2009). Conditions affecting children’s health. Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child (pp. 110-111). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.

(2010, March 12). Children and diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda 2.htm