I have a student who is suspected to be using marijuana on a regular basis ( we cant test him) he is also incredibly non compliant with his diabetic regiment -does not come to the office to check his BS etc.
The psychologist here is very concerned about the interaction btw his marijuana use and his diabetes- the studies I see say it can cause the "munchies" and that it decrease waist circumference etc
what educational tools do you use for those suspected of using marijuana and have diabetes?
I say this almost in jest because I can just see all the ruckus it would raise. But how about having a marijuana-sniffing dog make the rounds every now and then? Let law enforcement take the next step in confirming usage ...
Like a few posters already did, I'm curious to find out how old this student is. Perhaps I'm just not understanding the policies here but does the blood sugar testing have to be done in your office? Why can't he or she do it himself/herself? Someone asked if the student was a minor and whether or not you had to do the testing yourself. I find this puzzling as I can't see how a teenager couldn't work out how to test his or her own BS levels.
As to the recreational use of drugs, I will also suggest to document what you can observe. I take it you have done plenty of educational talks with this student. Short of involving the authorities, I don't know what else can be done. You could try talking with the parents but they may not be willing to listen to you.
How old is this student? Are we talking high school or college? Why can't you test? If he is underage your responsibility is much greater than if this is an adult making their own decisions.
You can not force anyone to let you check their BS in a school setting. That's assault. No matter how old they are.
If the student does not want to come to the clinic to check his/her BS then they can check it anywhere on school campus. You can review their meter when they come to your clinic. Talk with them and maybe arrange a way they feel comfortable being compliant without making them feel like they are being singled out several times a day. I work with elementary aged children so I don't have as much issues with my diabetics being non-compliants. It is the parents I have to worry about. Good luck!
Problems: Drug sniffing dogs get nose fatigue just like you and I would if we went on a perfume sniffing mission. They are only good for so many minutes of work. Like maybe an hour. Not claiming expertise on the exact time.
Disruptive to the school day and may not be worth it.
Hi, someone said pipe up, I'm a nursing student and type one. I was slightly older, 21, but I work in peer counseling and intervention as a volunteer at a helpline that works with those who have barriers to care, be they financial, medical, or psychological. I will tell you that teens are miserable with this. So many of our calls deal with depression and not fitting in. With short sightedness, that doesn't allow a teen to see the 10 year down the road consequences, just the right now ones. We see a lot of what we call the slow suicide, the 'I'd rather die than keep doing this'. We also see a lot of self medication of depression, mostly with Marijuana. We find that a lot of our clients quit using Marijuana when they begin seeking medical treatment that is non judgemental about the lack of self care, and are prescribed anti depressants. The biggest thing we emphasize is non judgment. Diabetics live with a lot of judgment and shame regardless of type. We try not to pile more on and simply lead them to resources that empower them to care for themselves again.
I like that this is the first post to emphasize non-judgment and empowerment. Also, a quick google search on "marijuana diabetes" may yield some results that may at least widen your perspective.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
I do drug testing of the athletes for each season of sports so that means 3 times a year.
I truly don't like doing it. Not for any reason other than it takes time away from my other duties.