FAQ & General Information for Diabetes Patients
What types of diabetes supplies should I send with my child to school?
- Insulin pen or pills
- Glucagon kit
- Blood sugar meter, strips, and lancets
- Fast-acting carb snacks and sugar-free fluids
When should I check for urine ketones?
- When blood sugars are above 250 mg/dl or sick time
When should I inform my doctor of a prescription refill?
- If you need refills, call 1–2 weeks in advance of the need.
School/camp forms
- Annually, a diabetes individual health plan (IHP) should be submitted by the Diabetes Team between June 1 and Aug. 1 for the preceding school year. Please provide the team with school name and contact information, along with the phone number, so that the report can be sent in timely manner. If necessary, the Diabetes Team will send a medication regimen change update after each medical appointment.
- All camp forms should be submitted no later than May 1, unless the camp states otherwise.
How many times should I check my child's blood sugar?
- Minimum of 4–6 times per day with insulin pen
- On insulin pump, 10 times per day
How many medical visits should we make?
- Four times a year, about every three months.
- For diabetes self-management training, six sessions and as needed.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning a condition in which the body's immune system attacks one of the body's own tissues. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas that are destroyed. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy; without insulin, the body can't get the sugar it needs, and too much sugar builds up in the blood.
What causes it?
The exact cause is unknown, but there is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that play a role. We do know type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Lethargy
How is it treated?
Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with insulin — either by injection or through an insulin pump.
What does the Diabetes Team provide?
The Diabetes Team is here to provide medical and emotional care and support for the whole family. The purpose of the team is to provide education about how to check blood sugars and inject insulin and to provide information about living daily with diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body can produce insulin, but doesn't use the insulin effectively. This is known as insulin resistance.
What causes it?
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is partially caused by an unhealthy diet. Other risk factors include obesity and a family history of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Lethargy
How is it treated?
- Lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity and healthy eating habits
- Oral medication or insulin, depending on severity
What does the Diabetes Team provide?
The Diabetes team is here to provide medical and emotional care and support for the whole family. The purpose of the team is to provide education about healthy eating habits and direction on making appropriate food choices.
