Juvenile Diabetes
Living with juvenile diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels in the body are too high. Too much blood sugar can be bad for your health. The pancreas releases insulin, which helps the glucose in the food you eat get into your cells. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, the glucose can’t get into your cells, so instead, it stays in the blood. This results in high blood sugar levels.
Juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas stop producing insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and damaged them. Thus, individuals with juvenile diabetes are dependent on insulin shots because their bodies no longer produce insulin.
Juvenile diabetes symptoms
The signs of diabetes are:
- Unquenchable thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Dry, itchy skin
- Slow-healing cuts
- Blurred vision
Diabetes treatment
Treatment for children and young adults with type 1 diabetes includes the following:
- Taking insulin, usually in the form of shots
- Eating a healthy diet (A diabetes diet is high in carbohydrates and protein and low in fat. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help to keep blood glucose levels stable.)
- Being physically active
- Taking daily aspirin (for some patients)
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Diabetes care
It’s important for children and young adults to take care of their juvenile diabetes. If not properly taken care of, diabetes can lead to serious problems down the road, including problems with the kidneys, nerves, eyes, gums and teeth. A more serious concern is heart disease. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. You can take care of yourself (or your child) by:
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet
- Getting frequent exercise and physical activity
- Not smoking
- Controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
Diabetes at school
Children with diabetes need a strong support system at school in order to help them manage their condition. Forming good relationships with school staff is highly encouraged. Children should always carry with them the proper diabetes supplies that will help them manage the condition. These include:
- Snacks to boost low blood sugar
- Emergency glucose tablets
- Blood glucose meter and testing strips
- Insulin and syringes
- Type 1 diabetes ID bracelet or card
- Emergency phone numbers
Being prepared on a daily basis is the best way to keep juvenile diabetes under control. Less time spent worrying about the condition means that children will have more time to have fun and enjoy life.
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