Paediatric Diabetes – Exams and Stress

Exams and Stress

Here are some tips and advice on how to cope with exams and stress.

 Get plenty of rest.
 Regular exercise can help you to cope with exam nerves and stress.
 Talk to your teachers about preparing for exams, where would be good to sit and
what will happen if you need to treat a hypo in the exam – this can help you feel
more confident and less nervous about the exams.
 Stress and nerves can affect your blood glucose in different ways, remember you
may need to adjust your insulin dose for high and low blood glucose readings.
 When revising, have regular breaks and remember that eating regularly is
important as the brain needs energy to function effectively,
 If you are taking an exam, ensure you eat properly and have your correct insulin
on the day.
 Always take your hypo treatment into the exam room with you, some Fast-acting
glucose (for example Lucozade tablets) and also take a longer acting
carbohydrate if on injections (for example biscuits) taken out of the packet and
kept in a small clear container to satisfy the exam invigilator that you are not
cheating. You can then get to treatment easily without making too much noise.
 The school should talk to you about your health needs during the exam and have
made provision for your medical needs in advance.
 Talk to your teacher or your paediatric diabetes nurse about any worries or
concerns you may have.

If you feel hypo during an exam:
 Also inform the exam invigilator or a teacher on duty, so that they can record the
event. You may be given extra time to complete the exam.
 Blood glucose test and treat immediately
 You may require a letter for the exam board which your diabetes team can help
you with to make them aware that a hypo in an exam can affect your concentration.

Good Luck in your exams!

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed
to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is
unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal
help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

Version 4