Diabetes group hails R.I. for school measure

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Diabetes Association is praising Rhode Island for passing legislation that will allow non-medical staff in schools to administer glucagon to a child when a school nurse is not present and the child is experiencing severe hypoglycemia.
The measure, which the group said will make schools safer for diabetic students, requires state agencies to revise related school health regulations and establish training guidelines for school personnel.
“Severe hypoglycemia resulting in seizures or unconsciousness is an emergency situation that can be deadly,” said Dolores Norton Braica, of the association. “If a nurse is not present, it is important that someone be trained to respond right away.”
About 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or nearly 8 percent of the population – have diabetes, and the disease is a major cause of death. Since 1987, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined.
The American Diabetes Association is a voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy, aiming to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, visit
www.diabetes.org.