Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Coach Training and Education 1
Training and Quiz When you have completed this slide presentation, please take the quiz at the end to check your understanding of this information. A passing score is 80%. 2
What is Type 1 Diabetes? Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed by a person s own immune system. Without insulin, sugar stays in the blood and can t be used as energy. Too much or too little blood sugar affects how the body and brain perform. Since people with type 1 diabetes don t produce insulin, they are unable to regulate their blood sugar and are dependent on injected insulin to utilize the carbohydrates (sugar) they consume for energy. 3
The Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that can be treated but not cured. It is not caused by an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas still produces insulin but the body does not use it effectively. Type 2 is usually treated with oral medications, diet and exercise. This training addresses the specific needs of students with type 1 diabetes in team or individual sports. 4
Question 1 What causes type 1 diabetes? unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle too much insulin a viral illness that attacks the pancreas the body s immune system destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas 5
Common Diabetes Devices CGM SENSOR CGM RECEIVER CGM Receiver Close-Up Insulin Pump and Insertion Site Continuous Glucose Monitoring System 6
Common Diabetes Supplies and Equipment Insulin Pen Blood Sugar Test Kit Fingerstick Device with Lancet Vial of Insulin 7
Finding Balance and Achieving Good Blood Sugar Control is Challenging In a school age child, blood sugar is affected by many things including: type of foods eaten, growth and development, stress and anxiety, and activity. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) has effects on long term health and can result in damage to vital functions later in life. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can present an immediate safety concern. For this reason, athletes with type 1 diabetes require frequent monitoring. 8
Complications of Diabetes Treatment: Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. It is a complication of insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes. It can occur when blood glucose levels fall as a result of too much injected insulin or when too few carbohydrates are eaten. For student athletes, hypoglycemia can occur because they have increased activity. Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences including seizures and coma. 9
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include: shakiness, weakness, lack of coordination, and lack of focus. These early signs are a signal that the student must eat a fast acting carbohydrate (sugar) in order to prevent more serious symptoms. Progressive symptoms include: problems thinking and speaking, lack of judgement, and disorientation. These symptoms are a sign that the blood sugar is dangerously low and requires prompt treatment with a fast acting, easily absorbed carbohydrate and immediate attention by a trained person. 10
Treatment of Hypoglycemia The best treatment for low blood sugar symptoms is a fast acting sugar. Examples: glucose (gels or tablets), juice boxes, gatorade, non-chocolate candy It is recommended that athletes always carry a fast acting sugar with them that is easily accessible and easily eaten. Athletes showing signs of hypoglycemia during play need to eat a fast acting sugar immediately to avoid progressive symptoms. They should come out of play until their blood sugar is in a safe range. Athletes should check their blood sugar regularly throughout practice and competition to avoid hypoglycemia. 11
Question 2 What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia? sweating, shakiness difficulty focusing weakness problems thinking, speaking and decision making all of the above 12
Question 3 What is the best treatment for the early signs of low blood sugar? cheese and crackers a chocolate bar a fast acting sugar (like juice, fruit flavored candy, or a glucose tablet) a cup of coffee 13
Question 4 Why is it important for coaches to understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia? coaching staff may need to assist a student with very low blood sugar untreated low blood sugar can cause serious injury a student may not realize that he has very low blood sugar if it has progressed and he is having trouble thinking and making decisions coaching staff should remove athletes from play when they have low blood sugar all of the above 14
Getting To Know Your Player With Type 1 Diabetes When you meet the athlete, let him/her know you can help if they feel low and that you understand the basics of diabetes. Learn what they are like when they are feeling well so that you can identify when they are not feeling well. Ask what the player s usual symptoms are and where they carry a supply of fast acting sugar. Make sure you have parent and emergency contact information on hand. 15
If an Athlete With Type 1 Loses Consciousness A student could lose consciousness because of very low blood sugar or untreated high blood sugar. In either case, this is an emergency and requires prompt attention by medical personnel. 1. Stay calm, clear the area of other players and get help. 2. Call 911, make sure responders are aware that the player has type 1 diabetes. 16
Question 5 If a student with type 1 loses consciousness, you should do the following: wait until he wakes up and give him some juice call the school nurse and ask what to do treat it like an emergency and initiate your team s emergency response protocol try to administer something from the student s supply of fast sugar snacks 17
Other Issues Players with Type 1 Might Have During Sports Late to practice or early to leave due to diabetes management Devices beep or alarm May need to come off the field unexpectedly due to low blood sugar symptoms. May need to eat on the sidelines during practice or competition 18
Summary for Coaches Get to know your players with type 1 diabetes Know where the athlete keeps blood glucose testing supplies and fast acting sugar during practice and play Expect that players will need to regularly check blood glucose and/or eat a snack, the timing of which may not always be predictable or convenient Keep emergency contact info handy. If you have concerns, call a parent. Provide detailed away-game information to parents and players. 19
Question 6 How can coaches provide support to a student with type 1 in sports? Check all that apply: Know about the player s usual hypoglycemia symptoms and where she keeps her supply of fast acting sugar at practice and at games Get to know her, learn about how type 1 might affect her athletic participation, and ask how you can be helpful Stay in communication with the student, her parents and the school nurse when you have questions or concerns about her health and safety Clearly communicate practice routines and game schedules including any travel time so that the player with type 1 can plan appropriate meals and snacks 20
Most Important... Athletes with type 1 diabetes can do anything their peers can do with the understanding, encouragement, and support of caring and knowledgeable adults. 21
THANK YOU! Thank you for completing this training. Coaches who take the time to understand type 1 diabetes improve students team experience and help them reach their full potential. Continue to the next slide to take the QUIZ. 22
Coach Training Quiz Please complete this quiz to check your understanding of this material. A passing score is 80%. 23