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Juvenile Diabetes Information

Juvenile diabetes is a chronic and progressive condition in which the body does not make the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to transport energy (glucose) from food to the cells. The body must have insulin to survive. Juvenile diabetes can cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is important to understand this condition in order to prevent complications and to live a long, healthy life.

  1. Significance

    • According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 40 children are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes every day. Most juvenile diabetics are diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 20 years, although diagnosis may be made earlier or later.

    Causes

    • According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, there may be a genetic component but, juvenile diabetes is primarily an auto-immune disorder. This means that the body is attacking the beta cells that produce insulin.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of juvenile diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, sudden and unexplained weight loss, lethargy, irritability, hyperventilation, blurry vision, coma and death.

    Diagnosis

    • Several tests are available to diagnose juvenile diabetes. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) checks glucose after at least eight hours without eating or drinking. A value of 126 or greater is indicative of diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) checks glucose two hours after drinking a 75 gram glucose solution. A value of 200 or greater indicates diabetes. Another blood test is called the Hgb A1c. A value of greater than 6 percent means diabetes. The American Diabetic Association recommends using the FPG for economy's sake.

    Treatment

    • Juvenile diabetics must have daily insulin replacement injections to live. Diabetics commonly use long-acting and short-acting insulin that should be refrigerated. Injections are provided with a very fine needle and syringe or an insulin pump. Diabetics must also control glucose levels with a balanced diet. The American Diabetes Association says that no food is "off limits" as long as it is a part of a balanced and healthy diet. Daily exercise is essential in order to burn glucose, decrease the amount of insulin needed, to maintain a healthy weight and to manage stress. A written plan of action helps schools, camps and others work effectively with diabetics.

    Warning

    • Juvenile diabetes can be life-threatening if not treated properly; therefore juvenile diabetics should understand that complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, eye damage and death.

    Myths

    • The American Diabetes association has created a list of "Diabetes Myths" that includes myths like: "You can catch diabetes from someone else," "People with diabetes can't eat sweets," "Eating too much sugar causes diabetes" and "People with diabetes must eat special diabetic food."

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