What is juvenile diabetes? Juvenile diabetes is a very serious condition to have. Although, the condition does carry risks, it is not a death sentence by any means. By keeping careful control of blood sugar levels, people with juvenile diabetes go on to live very happy and complete lives. Many people with juvenile diabetes, in fact, go on to be very successful as a matter of fact. Mary Tyler Moore, Anne Rice, Halle Berry, and Nick Jonas are just a few examples (EveryDayHealth.com, 2012).
Juvenile diabetes is also known as “type 1 diabetes”. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. In juvenile diabetes, it is the cells of the pancreas which are attacked, causing the body to be unable to make its own insulin. Insulin is the hormone which allows blood sugar to enter the cells and be converted into energy. Without insulin we cannot survive, which is why a type 1 diabetic must inject insulin several times a day.
One major problem which arises in the disease is that, when sugar is not taken into the cells, it remains in the bloodstream. Too high of sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can tear up the inside of the body and lead to complications later. If there is too much insulin, or too little sugar in the blood (hypoglycemia), a person may become dizzy, light-headed, confused, or sick. Both conditions can lead to coma, seizures, or even death. Therefore, people with juvenile diabetes must continually monitor their blood sugar levels, eat healthily, and exercise regularly in order to avoid these conditions.
Juvenile Diabetes Symptoms
It is important for any parent to know about juvenile diabetes, especially if they have a family history of the disease. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the less likely the dangerous complications will develop. Since juvenile diabetes often begins in childhood and adolescents, parents and persons who are often around children should be able to spot the symptoms. According to JustMommies.com, diabetes juvenile symptoms are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Bedwetting
- Fruity breath odor
Signs of Juvenile Diabetes
How do you get juvenile diabetes? This is an important question to ask, and those wise enough to ask it will have an insight to how hard they should begin looking for diabetes symptoms. Part of knowing the signs of juvenile diabetes is understandingwho is at risk. For example, a child who has a parent or sibling with the condition is likely to develop it themselves.
It is not completely clear why people get type 1 diabetes, but scientists have found that there are several environmental factors which contribute to the disease. People who have been exposed to certain viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, mumps, or cytomegalovirus tend to end up with juvenile diabetes, especially when they are already genetically predisposed to the condition. Research has also showed links between the disease and vitamin D deficiencies, people who begin eating cereal early on as babies, and those who drank cow’s milk formulas early on. These are all known factors which may put your child at risk of the disease.
You should take your child to the doctor to discuss juvenile diabetes if you notice him/her:
- Bedwetting more than usual or uncharacteristically
- Acting frustrated or irritable
- Wanting to take naps often
- Wanting to again eat shortly after eating a full meal
- Asking for something to drink often and then having to go to the bathroom more than usual
- Having potty accidents
- Losing weight in spite of eating more
- Smelling like juice when you know they have not had a fruity drink
