Boy Scouts of America

Diabetes

SUMMARY

Very likely, someone in your unit has diabetes—a medical condition that disrupts the body’s ability to control blood sugar. Potentially life-threatening problems might occur if and when their blood sugar gets too high or too low.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Diabetes is categorized as either Type 1 or Type 2. Most people with Type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood, and almost all need insulin shots to manage their blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in adults but is increasing in youth. In Type 2 diabetes, the loss of sensitivity to insulin causes a high blood sugar level. The condition is often controlled by oral medication and a monitored diet, although insulin shots are sometimes necessary.

People with diabetes check their blood sugar levels using a glucometer. They should always carry a glucometer and glucose tablets or food that can quickly treat low blood sugar. Some people with diabetes might have an insulin pump, which is a small, typically pocket-sized computerized device that delivers insulin through a small tube placed under the skin. People with diabetes who have insulin pumps are typically well trained and should know how to manage both the device and their diabetes.

People with diabetes should always be identified to adult unit leaders and to selected youth members who will act as a buddy. The buddy should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and be willing to act promptly and notify an adult if these symptoms are observed.

Low and High Blood Sugar

Strenuous exercise can decrease the blood sugar in all of us, and this is especially true for people with diabetes, for whom low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur suddenly. Symptoms of low blood sugar might include:

  • Sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Seizures

The first aid for low blood sugar is sugar. Give some form of sugar orally if the person is conscious. Liquids—juices or gels— are often the easiest to obtain and administer. If there is no improvement within 15 minutes, seek immediate medical care. Remember that oral treatment should never be attempted if the victim is unconscious because choking could result.

Elevated blood sugar that stays too high for too long— hyperglycemia—can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Although DKA usually develops slowly, this medical emergency requires immediate hospitalization. Symptoms of high blood sugar might include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Frequent urination
  • Lack of energy
  • Heavy breathing
  • Thirst
  • Loss of consciousness

First aid for someone suffering from a high blood sugar level is to administer sugar-free fluids and to immediately transport them to medical care.

Tips for Leaders

  • Develop a diabetic action plan with the individual and their parents before a Scouting event occurs.
  • Know symptoms of low and high blood sugar levels, how to use a glucometer, and when to get medical help.
  • Make sure that the Annual Health and Medical Record includes the most current information.
  • Plan for each person with diabetes to be paired with a knowledgeable buddy to help if symptoms arise.
  • Encourage people with diabetes to check blood sugar as recommended by their doctor and if and when symptoms occur.
  • Make sure you have adequate medication and supplies for the entire event before leaving.

RESOURCES

– Reviewed 9/2023

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.