Hi
Hypoglycemia occurs due to lack of glucose, not oxygen, to the brain. The
results are similar but the cause is different. Not to be confused with
Hyperglycemia, where there is too much glucose.
For people who are managing their diabetes (through diet, regular
self-testing, medication etc), hypo episodes tend to be rare. If they're
rare, then I'm sure it's OK just to inform tutors to look out for warning
signs and to ensure the student tells anyone they are sharing accomodation
with also to look out for early warning signs (e.g. confusion or becoming
withdrawn) before the hypo event occurs. The student might not be aware that
their behaviour changes before a hypo, due to the nature of the event.
Are you sure the condition is uncontrollable, or just out of control? I'd
want to know what efforts the applicant has made recently to manage the
diabetes. Maybe asking the student to submit medical evidence that confirms
the condition really is so uncontrollable (and medication/ self-testing
every few hours/diet/etc doesn't help), as this could force a meeting with a
GP or specialist. Maybe the applicant has been able to get away with bad
management of diabetes while living with parents or at residential school,
but now has the opportunity to start learning how to manage their diabetes
so they can begin to function independently as an adult at university.
I don't mean to sound harsh, It's just that I've met several students who
have avoided trying to do anything about their diabetes and allowed it to go
out of control for several years rather than have to undergo regular
meetings with specialists to explore various medication regimes, control
their diet, learn how to self-test every few hours to build up a pattern of
how glucose levels vary during the day and with different activities, etc
etc - to identify a management regime that works.
These students were referred to me for DSA assessment because they have
permanently lost some or all of their eyesight due to diabetes. Some have
also had strokes or heart attacks as a result of diabetes and associated
conditions. When this happens they start to take treatment seriously, which
can stop things getting worse but they can't get their sight, cognitive
ability or health back.
Personally, I'd want to feel sure that any support I'm putting in place for
a student doesn't allow someone to continue behaviour that might result in
serious complications in future.
Maybe the Diabetes UK careline can offer some advice. In this case, it might
also be worth talking to staff at the health centre in your university.
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Careline/
Hope this helps,
Ian Francis
----- Original Message -----
..
I have had a prospective student enquiry. The student reports
unpredictable hypoglycaemic events where he/she is unable to summon help
due to lack of warning and almost instant lack of oxygen to the brain
resulting in confusion. In these instances, the student would need
someone to be around to recgnise the problem (predictable movement and
sounds)and give dextrose or hypostop. Specialist medical help is not
required. During lectures and seminars there would be no requirement as
the applicant is happy for peers, tutors and staff to be made fully
aware. The most concerning time is at night, when I feel a carer could
be needed as a call bell/ intercom to security would not be adequate as
he/she cannot alert anyone when the events start and they would take too
long to respond. These issues are resolved at home by loved ones
"listening out" or in residential school as the applicant stays in a
shared dorm.
I don't think social services will pick this up as the need will not be
seen as critical or substantive. But I am having difficulty arguing it
as DSA relevant.
Any Ideas, is it worth me approaching DSA or social services for this
type of support?
Nicky Hammond
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.15/1173 - Release Date: 05/12/2007
21:29
--
I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users.
It has removed 2752 spam emails to date.
Paying users do not have this message in their emails.
Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len
|
