If you sense your student is experiencing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), here are the steps you should take:
- Allow the student to drink water or other non-carbohydrate liquids to help lower blood sugar and prevent dehydration
- Permit the student unlimited access to the restroom, as frequent urination is common with hyperglycemia
- Encourage the student to check their blood glucose level and, if applicable, ketone levels, especially if the blood sugar reading is above 300 mg/dL or above their target range
- Assist the student with administering insulin or a bolus dose from their insulin pump if they are trained and it is part of their diabetes management plan (DMMP or ICP)
- Monitor the student for symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting, which could indicate worsening hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency
- If the student shows signs of illness, vomiting, or severe symptoms like lethargy or difficulty breathing, contact the school nurse or emergency medical services immediately, as this may indicate DKA
- Notify the student’s parents or guardians about the high blood sugar episode and any actions taken
- Always follow the student’s individualized care plan for diabetes management, which provides specific instructions on managing hyperglycemia
In summary, support the student by providing fluids, facilitating blood sugar and ketone testing, assisting with insulin if needed, monitoring symptoms closely, and seeking emergency help if severe symptoms develop
