Learning Objectives for HYPERglycemia-HIGH blood sugar

Participants will be able to understand:• Symptoms of high blood sugar• Treatment of high blood sugar• Short and long term risks of high

blood sugar

Above target range

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia=HIGH blood sugar

O HIGH blood sugar possible causes:

Above target range

Not enough insulin

Too much food

Not enough activity

Illness, infection or stress

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia=High blood sugar

Onset:• Usually slow onset, not an emergency• More rapid with:

-pump failure/malfunction -illness -infection

• Can mimic flu-like symptoms• Greatest danger: may lead to diabetic

ketoacidosis (DKA) if not treated

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia-HIGH Blood Sugar

O HYPERglycemia alone is not an emergency

O When accompanied with nausea, vomiting and/or ketones, it does become an emergency and the school nurse and parent/ guardian should be called

O If unable to reach a parent or guardian, the school nurse should initiate contact with the health care provider or 911.

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia-HIGH blood sugar Common Symptoms

Thirsty Blurred Vision

TiredHunger Frequent restroom breaks

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia-HIGH blood sugar other symptoms

Headache Stomach pains

Weight LossIrritable

Flushed FaceSleepiness/Fatigue

Dry MouthNausea

ConfusionLabored breathingProfound weakness

Unconscious

Above target range

KBN 2014

HYPERglycemia: What to doGoal is to lower the blood sugar to target range byfollowing the actions on the DMMP:

O Verify by blood sugar checkO Check urine ketones as ordered on DMMPO Allow free use of restroom and access to waterO Contact school nurse to discuss plan of action.O Administer insulin based on school nurse consult and

DMMPO School nurse/school employee will contact parent/guardian, especially if ketones are present.

O Recheck blood sugar per DMMP

O Document, noting any patterns or irregularitiesKBN 2014

HYPERglycemia: Risks and Complications

O Interferes with student’s ability to learn and participate

O Serious long-term complications develop when blood sugar levels remain above the target range over time and are recurring

O Hyperglycemia and ketones untreated can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and potentially to coma and/or death

KBN 2014

KBN 2014

GO TO THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION

SAFE AT SCHOOLS VIDEO

CHAPTER 4 HYPERGLYCEMIA

on the internet at YOU TUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i26P860R1AU&list=PL3DE9DDE8EB2A2E56&index=5