Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose comes from the foods we eat and gives energy to the cells. The hormone insulin helps glucose get into the cells. Insulin is made in the pancreas.
When a person has diabetes, either their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or their body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). In both types of diabetes, when glucose can’t get into the cells, the glucose level in the blood rises. Treatment for diabetes lowers the blood glucose level into a healthy range.
People with diabetes must check their blood glucose with a blood glucose meter multiple times a day or with a wearable device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Students with diabetes might need to:
Having too much or too little glucose in the blood makes a person feel sick, and they need treatment right away. Students with diabetes could show signs of:
Students with diabetes may miss class time or be absent due to doctor visits and hospital stays. And they may need special consideration if they miss classes, assignments, or tests.
Know the basics about diabetes and how to treat an emergency. You want to be ready in case one of your students doesn’t feel well or needs help. Teachers should:
Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD
Date Reviewed: Sep 10, 2023
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