Diabetes Awareness for Schools

This Diabetes Awareness course was developed for schools and education environment to increase knowledge and skills required in responding to an emergency where an adult or child requires emergency treatment.

The HSE document “Meeting the Care Needs of Primary School Children with Type 1 Diabetes during School Hours”  is referenced and used during the course.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops making
the hormone insulin. Insulin allows glucose (from carbohydrate in the diet) to move from the blood
into body cells for energy. The brain uses glucose as fuel so low blood glucose levels are dangerous
in the short term, and if not recognised and treated, can result in collapse and seizure. Untreated or
insufficiently controlled diabetes can lead to extended periods of high blood glucose levels which can
cause damage to the nerves, brain, blood vessels and in particular, can cause damage to small blood vessels, leading to diabetes related complications

The course will also reference points from “Practical Guide to Integrated Type 2 Diabetes Care”

Course content

Introduction & Course Objectives

• What is Diabetes and types? Understanding your emergency plans
• Diabetes Ireland resourse and help
• Awareness around your actions in the event of an emergency
• Legislation and Responsibilities (Incl Medication Management Policy)
• Staff interactions where there is a Diabetic emergency
• Keytones and awareness
• Use of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
• Calling 999/112
• CPR (Adult/Child/Infant)( On full course)
• Learning outcome review