support for teens
Exams and diabetes
The management of diabetes in young people during exam periods
During exam period, students with diabetes are faced with having to manage their blood sugar. For some people with diabetes, timing of exams can have an impact on their blood sugar levels.
How should my child manage his diabetes during his very stressful period of
exams?
Several factors that influence blood sugar during times of stress
- During exams, the body produces a stress hormone, adrenaline, which can disrupt the regulation of sugar levels.
- In some cases, healthy eating habits are neglected because they use their time to study well, or stress suppresses their appetite.
- Students under stress may eat just about anything, and consume more sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages.
- The student has less time to practice physical activity and take care of himself.
This stressful time can impact
blood sugar levels
Tips for managing stress and keeping blood sugar under control
- It is important to have realistic expectations of ourselves so that our demands are realistic and achievable.
- Planning his exam days, and distributing his material for study is a good method to follow to reduce his stress level.
- You have to stay in good spirits even when you do an exam that didn’t go the way you wanted.
- It is important to give yourself moments of relaxation, breaks to relax: take a walk, play sports, watch a movie, listen to music, do meditation…
- It is essential to get fresh air every day for at least thirty minutes. (Take a walk, walk to the exam, etc.)
- A good night’s sleep is important in order to be in good shape for the exam. So you have to go to bed early.
- You also need to be careful about eating well. (Do not skip meals even if you are stressed!)
- Telling your teachers about our type 1 diabetes is also important, so that you can eat during an exam, if necessary.
- Asking for advice (from a doctor, a psychologist, etc.) is also a good strategy if you fear that managing diabetes will have a negative impact on your exams.
