IMPORTANT DIABETES INFORMATION

Dear Families:
Diabetes is hurting our kids. We are finding more children and teens that are suffering from the kind of diabetes that used to only happen in adults (called Type 2 Diabetes). This problem
has gone unnoticed.

What is diabetes? Our bodies change the food we eat into sugar. This sugar gets into our blood. It is fuel for our muscles and other body parts, like gas for a car. Our bodies use sugar for energy.

Diabetes stops the body from using sugar for fuel. Instead, sugar stays in the blood. High blood sugar can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. It can lead to serious health problems.
Too much sugar in the blood can even start to cause problems before diabetes happens.

What is Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?  Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus occurs when the pancreas no longer makes insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed the cells that produce insulin.  People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus must receive insulin by injection or pump.  It is very important, whether a person has Type 1 or Type 2, to eat the right food and exercise regularly. 
For more information, visit: www.diabetes.org/type1-diabetes.jsp. 

Will my child get Type 2 Diabetes? Your child has a greater chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes if he or she:
· Is overweight
· Has a family member with diabetes
· Is Hispanic American, African American, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander

What signs of Type 2 Diabetes should I look for in my child?
Major physical signs found in many children with Type 2 Diabetes are:
· Overweight
· High blood pressure
· Light brown-black, rough or thickened areas on the surface of the skin.
This skin condition is called Acanthosis Nigricans. It is usually seen on the back and sides of the neck. Sometimes parents think that their child is not bathing properly. They may think their
child has a dirty neck. Acanthosis is also found on armpits, knuckles, elbows, knees and groin area.

Other less noticed signs are:
· Being tired all the time
· Getting up more than once a night to go to the bathroom
· Sudden changes in weight (gain or loss)
· Bladder infections
· Skin infections
· In girls, yeast infection that keep coming back

What can I do to stop Type 2 Diabetes and protect my children?
· Families should seek medical care if they think their children or they are at risk for diabetes.
· Avoid being overweight. It’s the single most important thing a family can do to stop diabetes.
Physical activity and healthy eating are the only ways to control weight.
· In an effort to help parents recognize children at risk for diabetes the state has mandated screening for Acanthosis Nigricans. This screening will occur as a part of the vision/hearing screening done at grades 3, 5, and 7. The school nurse will perform this screening by visually examining each child’s neck. Children found to have the identifying skin marker will be individually assessed for height, weight, and blood pressure. The school nurse will send a written referral to parents of children with Acanthosis Nigricans.