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Diabetes among students challenges school district

Page Last Updated: Wednesday July 28, 2010 10:45pm PDT

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Victoria Campbell, News 4

An increase in diabetes diagnoses among students in the Washoe County School District has posed challenges for school nurses, parents and the students themselves. But district officials say they've tackled the problem head-on with the help of local doctors, teachers and parents.

Evelyn, 11, is a sixth-grader who was diagnosed with diabetes when she was four. With the help of school nurses and clinical aides, she monitors her blood sugar and gives herself insulin shots at school.

But last year, her blood sugar levels were judged too high after she ate lunch. School officials repeatedly called her parents at work and sent her home. And Evelyn wasn't the only one.

Parents started complaining, and district officials began to research the problem. Working with doctors, teachers and parents, they came up with new guidelines for nurses that allowed most students to stay at school under close supervision.

"This will maximize their time in class," said Dana Balchunas, RN, director of student health services. "We don't want to call parents unnecessarily and say, 'come pick up your child.'"

Evelyn's father, Robert, says he's happy with the new plans, too.

"They've really tried to improve," he said. "The teachers, parents, and the kids are working together. They've done an excellent job."

For more information on risk factors for diabetes, contact the Nevada Diabetes Association by clicking here.

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