School Success for students with diabetes

1. School Success for students with diabetes The Public Schools of Petoskey Lynn Slanec, Ed.D., Director of Teaching & Learning Slanec.tl.m@petoskeyschools.org or 231.348.2352

2. A “Thank you” to • the many people working on behalf of our students, especially our Teachers, Principals, Secretaries, Aides, Jenifer Byrd, Lynette Johnson, and Liz Vargawho have been instrumental in developing an inclusive diabetic management program. • Online parent resources at: • http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parentsandkids/?loc=DropDownLWD-forparents

3. What is Diabetes? • A chronic disease • Blood glucose (sugar) levels are above normal • Problem converting food to energy • Little/no insulin or difficulties using body’s insulin • Glucose builds up in the blood; • Passes out of the body in urine; • Body loses main source of fuel.

4. Blood Glucose • Can be High: Hyperglycemia Can be Low: Hypoglycemia Either can cause immediate and serious health problems.

5. How is Diabetes Controlled? • Through another insulin source • Injections • Pump • Or, medication to lower glucose • All work to lower glucose levels • Important to keep blood glucose levels near normal 24 hours a day!

6. Type I Diabetes • Often in children and young adults • Disease of immune system stopping pancreas from producing insulin • Must have insulin daily • Symptoms due to increased level of blood glucose

7. Type II Diabetes • Onset at any age • Insulin resistance • Requires lifestyle changes • Food choices • Exercise • May take insulin or other medications Also, gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy.

8. Managing diabetes at school • Health Care Aides in every building (2 Registered Nurses on Staff) • All receive annual diabetic and allergy training • Work with students and families • Primary goal: Maintain glucose control in a normal school environment by monitoring- • Food Intake • Activity • Blood glucose, insulin, and meds • Teachers, aides, principals, secretaries, and other staff work as a team to keep students safe.

9. PSP Management protocol • For Students • Check your blood glucose levels regularly. • Know your Management Plan. • Have personal supplies at hand. • Eat and exercise appropriately for your health. • Let your teacher or aide know if you aren’t feeling right. • Wear medical alert bracelet (or have a card). • Ask for help when you need it. • Enjoy school!

10. PSP Management protocol • For Parents • Notify the principal when newly enrolled or diagnosed. • Prepare a Management Plan with your child’s doctor, have it signed by him/her, and provide a copy for the principal. • Confer with the Health Care Aide(s) who will be monitoring your child. • Inform the school of any changes in your child’s health. • Provide supplies, equipment, and food regularly for implementing your child’s Management Plan. • Inform extra-curricular staff of your child’s needs.

11. PSP Management protocol • For School Staff • Stay updated on Health Management Plans. • Ensure substitute Emergency Medical Forms are updated and available. • Follow Emergency Plan Flow Charts. • Attend trainings and meet regularly. • Communicate with parents/guardians. • HC Aides monitor- • Students’ glucose levels, needs, and logs • Current Management Plans • Student diabetic supplies • Emergency boxes

12. What is a 504 plan? • It is- • A federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability and guarantees individuals with disabilities equal access to an education. A student is disabled if the impairment substantially limits (significantly restricts) a student from performing a major life activity. • It is not- • Needed for reasonable accommodations and learning needs that can be met through support and good teaching practices. • Most of our students do not require a formal 504 plan.

13. We care about our students & Families! • If you have questions, concerns, or would like further information, please- • Contact me. • Contact your child’s teacher or principal. • Go to some of the wonderful resources in our community or online. • Visit our Teaching and Learning website at http://www.petoskeyschools.org/tlc/admin/diabetes/index.htm.