Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders resulting from insufficiency of
insulin. The two most common types of diabetes mellitus are insulin dependent and
non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Diabetes insipidus results from an inability to concentrate urine in the kidneys. The two
types of diabetes insipidus are pituitary and nephrogenic.
TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
 | Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type I): Type I diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin and is usually diagnosed before 18 years of age. Insulin helps the body use carbohydrates. Students manage diabetes by taking insulin, eating regular nutritional meal and snacks, exercising regularly and monitoring blood sugars. |
| Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (Type II): The onset of Type II diabetes is gradual and frequently does not occur until after 30 years of age. Insulin therapy is usually not necessary because individuals with this type of diabetes usually retain some insulin secretion capabilities. Obesity usually accompanies Type II diabetes. |
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERGLYCEMIA
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a problem for active individuals with Type I or Type II diabetes. It results when daily exercise volume is suddenly reduced without increasing insulin or oral agents used to control glucose levels.
| Inattentiveness | Extreme thirst |
| Lethargy | Frequent need to urinate |
SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the greatest concern of the individual who has Type I diabetes. Hypoglycemia can occur quickly and needs immediate attention. Skipping or delaying meals or snacks, exercising or too much insulin can cause blood sugar to fall rapidly.
| Mental slowness | Double vision | |
| Irritability/mood swings | Sudden hunger | Slurred speech |
| Sweating | Inappropriate responses | Inability to concentrate |
| Weakness | Sudden anger | Headache |
| Sleepiness | Sudden silence | Numbness |
FIRST AID FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES
If the student's blood sugar is high:
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Let the student rest if lethargic. |
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Avoid exercise until testing for ketones in the urine has been completed. |
If the student's blood sugar is low, give one of the following:
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Some form of sugar immediately (4 to 8 oz. of a regular soft drink, fruit juice or a commercial gel or sugar tablet). When improvement occurs, give additional food. If the student does not improve after sugar intake, call for emergency assistance. |
| Permit the diabetic student to leave the classroom to take medication, test blood sugar or to ingest sugar. |
| Take care of cuts and bruises immediately, because diabetic students can develop skin infections easily. |
| If the student becomes unconscious or is unable to take the sugar, call the nurse immediately. |
TEACHING TIPS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
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Determine physical activity tolerance levels through communication with the student's parents and physician. |
| Help the student schedule physical education within two hours of eating. |
| Avoid psychological stress caused by competitive or excitatory activities. |
Links
CDC's Diabetes and Public Health Resource
International Diabetes Website
Doctor's Guide to Diabetes Information and Resources
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997).