Introduction
What is diabetes:
Diabetes is the biggest challenge for Australia’s health system. Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes (Diabetes Australia, 2015). When someone has diabetes, their body can’t maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar which is the main source of energy for our bodies (Diabetes Australia, 2015). A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body (Diabetes Australia, 2015). There are two types of Diabetes; type 1 and type 2
Type 1:
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin (Diabetes Australia, 2015). We do not know what causes this auto-immune reaction. There is no cure and it cannot be prevented (Diabetes Australia, 2015).
Type 1 diabetes:
- Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin
- Represents around 10% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions
- Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious
- Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision
- Is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump (Diabetes Australia, 2015).
Type 2:
Type 2 diabetes develops over a long period of time. In type 2 diabetes the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed slowly over time. Type 2 diabetes can often initially be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity (Diabetes Australia, 2015).
Type 2 diabetes:
- Is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin does not work effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance)
- Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes
- Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults
- Is more likely in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular ethnic backgrounds
- For some the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a foot ulcer
- Is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction. As type 2 diabetes is often progressive, most people will need oral medications and/or insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes over time (Diabetes Australia, 2015).
Warning Signs:
Figure 1
Warning signs of diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/signs-and-symptoms-diabetes
Task
Your task is to research diabetes, the effects is having on people (particularly children), what to do if a child does have diabetes and how it can be prevented. We are looking for ways that we can promote a healthy lifestyle within our school to prevent the epidemic of diabetes in Australia continuing into the next generation.
You will need to identify:
- The symptoms
- How this disease affects students?
- How it is diagnosed
- How to prevent it
- What can we do to help?
Process
For this task you can work in grade groups (k-p, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6). You will be required to think of ways to present information in the classroom for students (such as a poster). You will be required to present the following information:
- What diabetes is
- Why it is important to our school
- The symptoms
- How it is diagnosed
- How parents can get involved
- What the school is currently doing
- What the school is going to do for better prevention.
You should include statistics of how important diabetes is within Australia and our community. Be sure to also include graphics.
Some useful resources are listed below, be sure to research beyond these resources.
Resources:
Diabetes Australia:
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
Health direct Australia:
http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes
Authoritative information and statistics to promote better health and wellbeing:
http://www.aihw.gov.au/diabetes/
National Diabetes Services Scheme:
Diabetes Tasmania:
http://www.diabetestas.org.au/
Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services:
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/services_files/diabetes_…
Nutrition for Life:
http://www.nutritionforlife.healthcare/
Diabetes Act:
Evaluation
You will be required to have this task completed in a months’ time for the staff meeting (June 10th).
In the staff meeting each group will be required to present your information.
Conclusion
You will be required to tell other staff members how in class implementation went. We will review the ideas of how to present this information in our classrooms. It will be decided as to whether we use one groups or a combination of groups ideas to present information on diabetes within our school. You will be required to share lesson plans, resources used, learning outcomes and student participation.
This links to:
National standards:
Standard 2.1: Each child’s health is promoted
Standard 2.2: Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program
Standard 3.1.2: premises, furniture, and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained
Credits
Diabetes Australia. (2015). Diabetes Australia. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
International Diabetes Federation. (2015). Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/signs-and-symptoms-diabetes