Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It develops when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is an essential body requirement and without it, the body cannot use food for energy. Type 1 diabetes can only be managed by taking insulin injections.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be well managed. There are certain activities children and teens with type 1 diabetes must do to help keep their blood sugars in a healthy range. These activities include: eating measured amounts of carbohydrates at certain times of the day, checking their blood sugar and taking their insulin.
When supporting children and teens with type 1 diabetes, the emergency situation that is most likely to occur is a Low Blood Sugar (also known as hypoglycemic reaction or insulin shock). A low blood sugar means that the level of sugar present in the blood is inadequate for the brain to function properly. The child or teen should check their blood sugar level using their meter. If the reading is below the "safe level" the child or teen should take his/her fast acting sugar immediately. If there is no change in the way the student feels after 15 minutes, repeat the reading and fast acting sugar and call their parents.
Other Resources
You can get valuable information about diabetes on the following websites:
Canadian Diabetes Association 
American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Canada
Both the Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards have a Diabetes Management protocol for schools.
Contact Information
Follow the links above to learn more about Children's Health Supports available at The Region of Halton. For more information you may contact chintake@halton.ca, or call 905.825.6000, Toll Free: 1.866.442.5866
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