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Diabetes: I & II
By: Chris Ellis

What Is Diabetes?

A group of diseases that that are characterized by the bodys inability to produce or use insulin that results in high glucose levels in the blood.
There are 3 different types, I will focus on Diabetes 1 and 2

Statistics

-8.3% of the U.S. population has Diabetes (25.8 million)

-7 million are undiagnosed -79 million are Prediabetic

-0.26% are under 20

-11.3% are 20 or older -26.9% are 65 or older

Statistics

11.8% are men 20yrs or older

-10.8% are women 20 yrs or older Race:

-7.1% are Caucasian

-8.1% are Asian American -12.6% are African American -11.8% are Hispanic

Symptoms

-Urinating often -Extreme Fatigue -Feeling very thirsty -Blurry Vision -Feeling very hungry even though you are eating -Slow to heal cuts and bruises -Weight loss (Type 1) -Tingling, pain or numbness in hands or feet (Type 2)

Symptoms

These symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed as they are common for different types of illnesses.
It is prudent to get tested when you see your doctor.

What causes Diabetes?

Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by the bodys inability to produce insulin. This is also called Juvenile Diabetes because it is often diagnosed when you are a child.
Type 2: Type 2 diabetes is caused by your bodys inability to produce and regulate insulin, as it is needed, also known as insulin resistance. The pancreas initially will produce more insulin to make up for the misuse of the insulin but it will eventually stop producing the amount needed to keep glucose levels where they should be.

What causes Diabetes?

Whether or not the cause of diabetes is due to a genetic disposition or other factors, diet is key.
Sugar must be regulated so that there is not a deficit or excessive amount in your body.

Those who have Type 1 will sometimes be fitted with an insulin pump to help better control their illness.

Education Strategies

Knowing that a child has Diabetes is key when teaching in the classroom. Because children, even when faced with this type of illness, are still children it is important as teachers to be aware of their needs. Knowing symptoms of low blood sugar is key because it could be life and death for these children. However, It is also important to educate students that do not suffer from this condition. Because Type 2 is acquired rather than being an autoimmune disease it is important for students and parents to know about risk factors.

Education Strategies?

-Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and diet are key factors to keep an eye on. -Children who are obese are at higher risk later on for developing Diabetes Type 2 -Educating children on proper nutrition is key in helping them make the right decisions on their own. -Using teaching methods that keep them moving and being active will allow them to learn, have fun and be healthy without thinking about it. -Making sure parents are provided with resources to make sure that they are aware of risks that their children might have.

Education Strategies

Many people just aren't knowledgeable on the subject, and that is why it is huge that parents be just as well educated as their children.
Setting up classes for parents after school can introduce them or educate them further.

It could even go as far as having a weekend workshop where you learn how to be more active or healthier cooking classes that can involve the children.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

-Shaking, Sweating, Chills, Nausea, Light-headedness, Unconsciousness, Irritability, Blurred vision, Weakness, Fatigue, ect.
-15-20 grams of glucose or simple carbs should alleviate symptoms, however blood sugar should be checked until it is regulated.

Are you Protected?

Laws Regarding Diabetes:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The State of Maryland allows capable children to administer medicine and manage their Diabetes after being evaluated by a school nurse

Community

American Diabetes Association

2002 Clipper Park Road, Suite 110Baltimore, MD 21211410265-0075fax: 410-235-4048 www.diabetes.org

Community

JDRF
825 Hammonds Ferry Road, Suite H, Linthicum MD 21090, (410) 636-8080 Fax:(410) 636-1727 www.jdrf.org

Community

Joslin Diabetes Center

22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD (410) 328-6584

www.joslin.org

How Can YOU Help a Change?

Diabetes is not a set back and in no way should anyone let it be considered one. It is a manageable illness.
You can help by Educating, Education is such a key factor in how we live our lives. You can also be the change in your community, in a world where video games are played more than sports it should be our goal to get children back on the right track of being healthy and active. I ask what you can do in your community that can help get children moving and learning that how they live can have a huge impact on their health.

Works Cited

Abrahamson, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.joslin.org/index.html

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/

Juvenile diabetes research foundation international. Retrieved from http://jdrf.org/