DIABETES IN CHILDREN

Diabetes is a disease caused when the body either does not make enough insulin, or cannot correctly use the insulin it makes. There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body stops making insulin. It develops quickly, sometimes within days. Children are most often affected between the ages of 11 and 14. Type 2 diabetes is less common in children. But, with children becoming increasingly overweight, it has become more common.

Insulin helps move glucose, or blood sugar, into body cells so they can do their work. The foods we eat become glucose. When the body stops making enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood instead of getting into the body cells.

It is possible to have diabetes with no symptoms. When symptoms do develop they often vary.

A child with high blood glucose:

feels thirsty and hungry most of the time
has to urinate often, and may start wetting the bed
feels weak and tired
has blurry vision
has an unplanned weight loss and
slow healing sores or frequent infections

Diabetes risk factors are:

family history
weight
age and
race (Type 1 is more common in Caucasians and in European countries such as Finland and Sweden; type 2 is more prevalent in Africans, Hispanics and Native Americans.)

Tests that can detect diabetes include:

blood sugar screening ( finger prick)
fasting blood sugar tests
glucose tolerance tests and
Hemoglobin A1c (measures levels from the previous 2 to 3 months)

Low blood sugar can also be a problem for children with diabetes. The symptoms of low blood sugar can come on quickly and must be treated promptly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it to raise the blood sugar level to normal.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

dizziness
weakness
confusion
sweating
seizures
unconsciousness and coma

Knowing these signs is helpful in caring for the condition. Medical care is vital to children with diabetes. Daily shots of insulin are needed to maintain normal body functions. Parents and the child can learn how and when to give the shots. It is important to keep the level of blood glucose as near normal as possible. This is done by eating healthy foods, exercising, and daily monitoring of the child's blood sugar levels with self-testing kits.

Parents can help their child control diabetes, rather than letting the disease control the child. A healthcare provider can teach children how to manage the disease with proper record keeping of key information.

Long term problems include:

nerve damage
kidney damage
retinopathy (eye damage to the retina)
cardiovascular disease and
increased infections of the mouth, gums, lungs, bladder, and feet

Make sure that family, friends, and teachers know how to help your child with any problems that may arise. Medic Alert is a company that sells bracelets and necklaces identifying a person's medical condition. They can be reached by calling (800) 432-5378.

Classes and special summer camps can help you and your child deal with diabetes. For more information, call your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, or (800) 232-3472, or visit their website at www.diabetes.org. Another resource is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at (800) 533-2873 and www.jdrf.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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