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Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: 

California Education Code Section 49452.6 states that school districts must provide information to elementary parents about type 1 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of type 1 diabetes in youth have increased nationally from 187,000 in 2018 to 244,000 in 2019 with a peak age of diagnosis between the ages of 13-14 years. However, a diagnosis can happen much earlier in life. 

What is Type 1 Diabetes? The body turns carbohydrates in food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body’s cells. Insulin is the hormone made by the pancreas,  used to help “carry” the glucose or sugar to cells in your body. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s pancreas stops making insulin, and blood glucose levels rise. Over time, glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia. Untreated hyperglycemia can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes. 

What are the risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes? Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop Type 1 Diabetes. However, the following have been noted to lead to increased incidence of Type 1 Diabetes: 

  • Family History of Diabetes – Affected children have at least one parent with diabetes or a significant family history of the disease. 

  • Environmental Triggers – for example, viruses.

It is important to note Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices. 

What are the warning signs and symptoms? Warning signs and symptoms can develop quickly in children with Type 1 Diabetes. Warning signs may include: increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, feeling very tired, blurred vision, very dry skin, slow healing of sores or cuts, moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or behavior changes. If your child displays warning signs or symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes, please consult your child’s primary care provider immediately. Your child’s primary care provider will determine the need for Type 1 Diabetes screening.

What are the types of Diabetes Screening Tests available?  

  • Hemoglobin A1C test - A blood test that measures the average blood sugar level over two to three months. 

  • Non-fasting blood sugar test - A blood sample is taken any time without fasting. 

  • Fasting blood sugar  - A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. 

  • Oral glucose tolerance test - A test measuring the fasting blood sugar level after an overnight fast with periodic testing for the next several hours after drinking a sugary liquid. 

Currently, there are no known ways to prevent Type 1 Diabetes. Once Type 1 diabetes develops, medication is the only treatment. If your child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, their health care provider will develop a treatment plan. 

Know that LVUSD’s Child Nutrition Department works diligently to track the macronutrient profiles for all meals served to accommodate students with diabetes. Additionally, our nursing services staff is committed to supporting all families who require additional support and daily insulin. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your District Nurse or health care provider.

Type 2 Diabetes: 

California Education Code Section 49452.7 states that school districts must provide information to parents about type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one in three children born after 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime.

What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to use sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin is the hormone made by the pancreas,  used to help “carry” the glucose or sugar to cells in your body. In type 2 diabetes the body resists the effects of insulin and blood glucose levels rise. Over time, glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglucemia can lead to health problems like heart disease, blindness , and kidney failure. 

What are the risk factors? 

  • Being Overweight – The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The chances are more than double that an overweight child will develop diabetes. 

Family History of Diabetes – Affected children have at least one parent with diabetes or a significant family history of the disease. 

  • Inactivity – Inactivity further reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin.

  • Specific Racial/Ethnic Groups – Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latino or Asian/Pacific Islanders are more likely than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 diabetes. 

  • Puberty – Children in puberty are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes than younger children, most likely due to normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance during this rapid stage of growth. 

What are the warning signs and symptoms? Warning signs may include: increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, increased thirst with dry mouth, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, slow healing of sores or cuts, irregular periods and/or excess facial hair growth in girls, and high blood pressure or abnormal blood fat levels. 

Can Type 2 diabetes be prevented? 

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. 

  • Eat Healthy Foods – Make wise food choices. Eat foods low in fat and calories. 

  • Increase Physical Acitivity – Increase physical activity to a minimum of 60 minutes every day.

If diet and exercise are not enough, it may be necessary for your primary care practitioner to prescribe medication for treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your District Nurse or health care provider.