Tips for diabetic students during exams: Warnings against stress

Professor Abdulmuin Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, warned of the silent health risks that threaten students with diabetes during the school exam period, describing this period as a “state of emergency” in homes, which calls for increased health awareness to avoid serious complications.

Medical context: Why is stress considered an enemy of a diabetic patient?

These warnings are particularly important given the rising rates of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents in the region. Medical studies indicate that psychological stress is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a powerful biological trigger. When a student experiences exam stress, the body enters a state of alert known as "fight or flight," leading to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Dr. Al-Agha explained that these hormones directly hinder the action of insulin and stimulate the liver to pump large amounts of glucose into the blood to provide energy, which leads to sharp and sudden increases in blood sugar levels, even if the student adheres to his usual doses, which may expose him to immediate complications such as ketoacidosis or a sharp drop as a result of dietary disruption.

Common mistakes during exam season

The consultant pointed out that emergency departments receive many cases of diabetic students annually during exam periods, and the reasons are often related to incorrect behaviors practiced by students who think that they help them study, such as:

• Excessive consumption of stimulants and coffee raises the heart rate and increases stress.
• Staying up late and depriving the body of sleep reduces the body's sensitivity to insulin.
• Neglecting main meals or replacing them with fast food high in sugar and fat.

A therapeutic prescription: Balancing excellence and health

To ensure a smooth transition through this period, Professor Al-Agha provided a roadmap for students and their families, emphasizing the importance of organizing study time and completely avoiding late nights, as adequate sleep is essential for stable blood sugar levels. He also advised practicing deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and adhering to regular blood sugar monitoring, especially for students who do not use continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Regarding nutrition, he emphasized the importance of avoiding simple sugars and sweets, which cause rapid fluctuations in energy levels, and focusing on a balanced diet. He also noted the need to avoid caffeinated beverages as much as possible due to their negative impact on heart rate and blood sugar levels.

The role of family and school: the first line of defense

Dr. Al-Agha concluded by emphasizing that the responsibility is shared, urging schools to play a more active role by allowing students with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels during exams and to eat snacks when needed to prevent hypoglycemia. He also addressed families, stressing the importance of providing a calm environment free from comparisons and psychological pressure, and emphasizing that academic success should not come at the expense of children's physical and mental health.