BY: SABRINA DUGAN CLASS: HEALTH, SAFETY, AND NUTRITION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN EEC 4731 DATE: DIABETES

What is Diabetes?  Diabetes is a lifelong, incurable disease. Diabetics have high levels of sugar (hyperglycemia) in their blood and their pancreas either produces little or no insulin (a hormone) at all.  Diabetes has three Types: 1. Type 1: most common in children. 2. Type 2: most common in adults. 3. Gestinational Diabetes: diabetes that develops during pregnancy.  Genetics can play a factor that leads to diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes  Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The body does not produce any insulin in this case.  In most cases, it is genetically present in kids, however, childhood obesity triggers risks of developing diabetes.  People with Type 1 diabetes usually inject insulin in their bodies several times a day. People with diabetes also seek insulin therapy and other treatments to manage their condition.

Type 2  The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. It is more common in the aged population and certain races such as African Americans, Latin Americans, and Asian Americans, etc.  In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce adequate insulin. Type 2 diabetics

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2  Diabetes often is undiagnosed because of the harmless symptoms such as: 1. Frequent urination. 2. Rapid weight loss. 3. Extreme hunger and thirst. 4. Fatigue and irritability.  Type 2 diabetics usually suffer from blurred vision and tingling and numbness, etc.

Effective Treatment  Because Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is incurable, it should be controlled to develop future complications.  Some treatments include: Insulin therapy Insulin Injections Dietary changes Daily exercise Monitor blood sugar.

Teacher Modifications  Diabetes in children effects the child in many ways. As a teacher, it is important to understand and support kids with diabetes and it is important to educate yourself about the disease and its symptoms.  If students are using insulin injections, then they have to manage their diabetes 24 hours a day.  Teachers can help students by preparing them and providing them with diabetes care.  Teachers can experiment with snack time and make sure that the child’s current diet meets his or her current needs.

Teacher Modifications cont’d  Teachers can make kids feel more confident in school and not exclude kids from activities.  Teachers can educate themselves about insulin injections and how to administer it.  Teachers can incorporate more physical activity in the classrooms and give students sugar free snacks.  Teachers can create more awareness about the seriousness of diabetes.

How would I address the issue?  As a future educator, I would work together with school staff to target all the challenges arising in class.  I would follow the ‘People-first language’ rule, tweak it and educate staff and children about addressing kids with diabetes, for example: I would teach them that addressing someone by saying, “He’s diabetic” is not appropriate because the illness does not define a person.  I would incorporate lessons into the curriculum that would create awareness in the class about diabetes.

How would I address the issue? Cont’d  I would inform parents about the chronic disease and ask them to bring sugar-free snacks to school.  I would not make the student feel excluded in the classroom, instead I would build his or her confidence and treat him or her equally.  I would attend seminars and workshops that deal with working with kids with diabetes.  I would educate myself about all the available resources and treatments out there.

References  Marotz, L.R., Cross, M.Z., & Rush, J.M. (7th Edition) “Health, Safety & Nutrition for the Young Child.” Albany, NY: Delmar. Print.  "Symptoms - American Diabetes Association." American Diabetes Association Home Page - American Diabetes Association. Web. 29 Jan  "What Is Diabetes? What Causes Diabetes?" Medical News Today: Health News. Web. 29 Jan