Diabetes Aide Training

Complete all of the following modules:

As you complete this training course the RN responsible for delegating the task of insulin administration should be available to discuss the content and answer your questions.

  1. Intro
  2. Diabetes Basics
  3. Nutrition, Carbohydrate Counting, and Physical Activity
  4. Blood Glucose Monitoring
  5. Insulin Basics
  6. Methods of Insulin Administration
  7. Hypoglycemia
  8. Glucagon Administration
  9. Hyperglycemia & Ketones
  10. Documentation
  11. Universal Precautions

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a serious situation, unconsciousness or even death may occur if a person is not treated appropriately!

Hypoglycemia is a low level of glucose in the blood or "low blood sugar". Usually people develop symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood glucose falls below 70. Hypoglycemia usually happens suddenly and can lead to loss of consciousness or even cause death if left untreated.

You can help a person with diabetes effectively manage hypoglycemic events by learning to:

  1. Recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia
  2. Treat appropriately, and
  3. Prevent whenever possible.

What causes hypoglycemia

  • Taking too much insulin;
  • Not eating enough food to cover the insulin taken;
  • Exercising more than usual or doing more exercise than what was planned for;
  • Skipping or delaying eating meals or snacks

How do I RECOGNIZE the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Recognize and treat hypoglycemia promptly!

The symptoms vary from person to person and may not always be detected right away. Some people with diabetes may not feel any symptoms. Be on the alert for the following symptoms:

  • Sweaty / clammy
  • Shakiness
  • Sleepy/tired
  • Hunger
  • Headache
  • Tingling in lips
  • Pale
  • Blurred vision
  • Change in behavior
  • Anxiety
  • Increased heart rate

If not treated promptly, hypoglycemia can progress to:

  • Confusion
  • Restlessness
  • Dazed appearance
  • Inability to swallow
  • Unconsciousness
  • Seizure

How do I help TREAT a person having hypoglycemia?

As a trained Diabetes Aide, you can help persons diagnosed with diabetes by recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and by safely helping to provide them prompt treatment.

Follow the "rule of 15":

  • Check the blood glucose (sugar) level if a meter is available. If no meter is available and the person has symptoms, assume you need to treat them for hypoglycemia.
  • Have the person eat 15 grams of carbohydrate (CHO). Examples of foods that may be readily available to you that are about 15 grams include:
    • 8 oz. milk
    • 4 oz. juice
    • 15 grams glucose tablets (3-4 tablets)
    • 1 tube glucose gel
  • Stay with the person, then re-check the person’s blood glucose (sugar) level in 10-15 min
  • If the blood glucose remains low, repeat the treatment, have the person eat another 15 grams of carbohydrate
  • Stay with the person if possible and notify the delegating RN (also follow your agency/school policy and notify other family/guardians as required)
  • If the person becomes unconscious, call for emergency help (dial 911)

How do I help PREVENT a person from having hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia may be prevented by:

  • Helping the person keep their insulin or other diabetes medication, diet, and activity level in balance. For example, if the person with diabetes becomes ill and is unable to eat, or vomits, notify the delegating RN to discuss a plan to keep the person’s blood glucose level in the normal range.
  • Assisting the person to monitor their exercise/activity level and to notice or alert you if they do extra exercise or activity beyond their normal routines. The person may need a snack to avoid hypoglycemia if they do extra exercise or activity.
  • Checking the person’s blood glucose (sugar) level according to the schedule as ordered by the physician or as designated in the student’s medical management plan (DMMP).
  • Having "15 grams of carbohydrate" readily available at all times as a quick acting source of carbohydrate/sugar to treat the person’s symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly and appropriately.