Tips for diabetic students during exams: Important medical warnings
With the start of the exam season, families are in a state of general alert. However, this period presents a double challenge and a silent threat to the health of students with diabetes. In this context, Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, stressed the need to approach this period with careful health awareness to avoid serious complications.
Medical context: Why is stress considered an enemy of a diabetic patient?
From a medical and physiological perspective, the effects of stress and anxiety extend beyond psychological well-being, triggering a hormonal storm within the body. Doctors confirm that under stress, the body releases well-known stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in high levels. These hormones directly interfere with the body's insulin function and stimulate the liver to release stored glucose, leading to sudden and sharp spikes in blood sugar levels that are difficult to control, even with adherence to usual medication regimens.
Hospital emergencies and the risks of neglect
Professor Al-Agha pointed to a recurring annual phenomenon: during exam periods, emergency departments receive numerous cases of students suffering from severe blood sugar fluctuations (both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia). The primary cause of these cases is the "dangerous triad": persistent mental fatigue, prolonged wakefulness, and neglecting meal and medication schedules. This disruption to daily routines makes students vulnerable to complications that may prevent them from completing their exams.
Preventive prescription: Sleep and nutrition are key
To ensure this period passes peacefully, Dr. Al-Agha offered a set of golden tips that students and their families should follow:
- Regulating sleep: Avoid staying up late altogether, as sufficient sleep is an essential element for stabilizing hormones and blood sugar levels.
- Balanced nutrition: Complete avoidance of simple sugars and sweets that cause rapid fluctuations in vital signs.
- Beware of caffeine: The consultant strongly warned against excessive consumption of coffee and energy drinks, as they raise the heart rate and increase stress levels, which negatively affects blood sugar readings.
- Continuous monitoring: It is necessary to measure blood sugar periodically, especially for those who do not use continuous sensors.
The complementary role between family and school
The burden doesn't fall solely on the student; the responsibility is shared. Al-Agha called for prior coordination between parents and school administrations to provide a suitable environment, including allowing students to check their blood sugar levels during exams and to have a snack or juice if they experience symptoms of low blood sugar. He also addressed families, urging them to provide a calm environment free from comparisons and psychological pressure, emphasizing that academic success should not come at the expense of children's health, and that psychological stability is the true key to success and managing illness.
