Diabetes for School Personnel

1. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FOR SCHOOL
PERSONNEL

2. What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that
impairs the body’s ability to use food.
Diabetes must be managed 24 hours a day
in order to avoid the potentially life-
threatening consequences of blood
glucose(sugar) levels that are either too
high(hyperglycemia) or too
low(hypoglycemia)

3. Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Dry, hot skin
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Drowsiness, lethargy
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Fatigue(tired)
Slow, healing wounds
Fruity, sweet or wine-like odor on breath
Stupor, unconsciousness
Seizure
Death

4.  Headache
 Sweating
 Pale, moist skin
 Cold, clammy
 Extreme/sudden hunger
 Weakness, dizziness
 Shakiness
 Fatigue, tiredness
 Rapid, pulse rate
 Blurred, double vision
 Shallow breathing
 Confusion, inattention
 Loss of coordination
 Changed behavior or personality
 Combative
 Seizure/Death

5.  Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is an
EMERGENCY! A blood sugar level below 70 is
an emergency.
 Never leave a person with low blood sugar
alone

6.  Erratic behavior such as aggression, abnormal
hostility or profanity, could indicate abnormal
blood sugar levels.
 Unusual complaints of thirst, needing to use
the restroom, extreme drowsiness, all could
indicate abnormal blood sugar levels.

7.  DKA results from untreated high blood sugar
 This is an emergency if symptoms occur
 Symptoms to look for: nausea, vomiting,
deep breathing, decreasing levels of
consciousness, coma

8.  Recognize that a change in the student’s
behavior could be a symptom of blood sugar
levels
 Recognize signs/symptoms of high and low
blood sugar
 Communicate with the school nurse
 Respect privacy and confidentiality