By SASHA SAVEL
Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition that according to the CDC affects appoximately 300,000 children and adolecents in the United States. Of course Jericho High School has students who have this condition, yet most of their peers and teachers lack the knowledge to assist during an emergency.
A recent JerEcho survey revealed that only 14% of respondents knew how to attend to a diabetic crisis, and less than half of all respondents were familiar with glucagon, a life-saving hormone used to treat severe low blood sugar.
When questioned on their understanding of Type 1 diabetes, only 25% of students responded with a 4 or higher on their awareness level.
In emergencies, a school nurse is responsible for administering glucagon. High School Nurse Ms. Iris Reshef assures that precautions are taken, such as ensuring a nurse is present whenever diabetic students are on campus. Still, she believes more can be done if students learn to advocate for themselves. “Students shouldn’t be shy about their condition and should inform faculty to ensure their safety,” she said.
School nurse Ms. Iris Reshef works diligently to suppport diabetic students in Jericho High School.
Students with diabetes appreciate efforts to educate. Alumnus Jack P. shared that only a few of his teachers understood how to handle a diabetic emergency, and almost no students did. “Increasing awareness would have made me feel safer,” he said.
Jericho junior who requested to go by only S. for privacy suggested incorporating more detailed lessons about diabetes into health classes, stating this could make improve feelings of safety and comfort. “Those who have diabetes will be more comfortable around faculty and staff and feel less insecure about their disease. Regardless of safety, it’s providing empathy and support. It’s very important,” she said.
Endocronologists agree. Manager of Pediatric Diabetes Education at NYU Langone Hospital Sheila Dennehy highlights the importance of diabetes education. “Type 1 diabetes can happen to anyone under 30. Awareness helps peers support each other and cope with a diagnosis,” she said.
Dennehy suggests health fairs or student-led awareness campaigns to educate communities about diabetes and other health conditions.
Schools can play a key role by hosting educational events, enhancing health curricula and promoting open discussions. With these efforts, diabetic students can feel safer, more supported and better understood by their peers and teachers.
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