Prevalence-Diabetes Type 1
The prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes in Texas children is estimated at between 1 in 400 and 1 in 500 children. This would predict that about 182 AISD students have Type 1 Diabetes. In SY 2011-12, 99 students were case managed for Type 1 Diabetes. Students with this condition generate a large number of time-intensive health contacts to monitor and manage blood glucose levels daily in the school setting. SHS staff report blood glucose levels to nurse managers according to protocol. Nursing managers guide decisions related to the individualized care plans, given glucose levels. They work closely with Dell Children’s Medical Center pediatric endocrinologists and the SHS Medical Director to insure proper care for students.
Prevalence-Diabetes Type 2
Obesity is the major risk factor for Diabetes Type 2. Currently, the Texas Department of State Health Services estimates that based on measures of body mass index (BMI), approximately 22% of Texas children are overweight, and an additional 15% are obese. Although Type 2 diabetes is found in all ethnic groups, a disproportionate number of African American, Hispanic and American Indian persons are diagnosed. Children who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are typically overweight/obese.
A multiyear increasing trend in diabetic health contacts is evident. In SY 2011-12 there was a 15.1% increase over the prior year.
The Return to Class rate for all diabetic health contacts was 94.2%. For students whose blood glucose level was out of range for their care plan, the Return to Class rate was 94.2%.
Much of the RN’s time is spent on case management for students with special health needs such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or severe food allergies. Ivonne Conde, RN, had been a school nurse for about a year working at Dobie and Pierce middle schools in east Austin. “The kids are fun,” she said. “They are full of life and energy. I like being able to help them. ” That year, Ivonne worked with a diabetic student who wanted to fast during the Islamic tradition of Ramadan. “It was a learning experience for both of us. The doctors and nurses worked together to honor the student’s beliefs – and everything went great.”