Endocrine

Question 1

Describe the typical insulin regimen of a child with Type 1 Diabetes

Answer 1

• long acting insulin
• short acting insulin given with each meal/snack
• minimum 4 glucose checks per day (with each meal and before bed)

Question 2

What should a patient with Type 1 Diabetes consider if they have gym class?

Answer 2

• decrease insulin given to compensate for increased uptake of glucose into cells during activity
• eat snack before activity
• check glucose more frequently before, during and after the activity to avoid hypo or hyperglycaemia

Question 3

What are the effects of hypoglycaemia on learning in a patient with Type 1 Diabetes?

Answer 3

• decreased concentration
• impaired thought processing
• impact on behaviour
• effects can persist 45min after resolution of hypoglycaemia

Question 4

What are some measures to prevent hypoglycaemia in a child with type 1 diabetes?

Answer 4

• allow regularly scheduled meals and snacks
• allow enough time to consume food
• adjust insulin/food intake to accommodate for physical activity
• a clean area for blood glucose checks

Question 5

What barriers exist to safe and effective management of hypoglycaemia in schools?

Answer 5

• incomplete training of school personnel
• unscheduled activity/inactivity
• altered meal/snack time
• lack of rapid access to emergency kit and glucometer

Question 6

What measures should schools undertake to provide appropriate support for children with Type 1 Diabetes?

Answer 6

• provide at least 2 personnel trained to provide support
• provide education to schools regarding diabetes in children
• provide students with clean, convenient, safe and private place for diabetes self-care
• provide supervision and/or assistance when necessary for diabetes self-care and monitoring of meals/snacks
• provide the student with an annual individual care plan
• provide adequate time for meals and snacks
• educate teachers on signs of hypoglycaemia and initial steps of management
• provide educational accommodations where necessary
• allow access to diabetes emergency kit

Question 7

What are the short term complications of Type 1 Diabetes?

Answer 7

• Short Term: hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia

- Long Term: heart attack, stroke, amputation, kidney failure, blindness, learning deficits