|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes Prevention

Juvenile diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as Type I or II diabetes, is a metabolism disorder. When the pancreas fails to produce the appropriate amount of insulin in order to accommodate the amount of sugar intake, the glucose builds up in the blood. The glucose then builds up in the urine and excretes unused through the body. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, "approximately 13,000 children are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes each year."

  1. Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes

    • The onset of juvenile diabetes can occur suddenly. Symptoms of Type I diabetes include excessive thirst, weight loss, weakness and fatigue, frequent urination, labored breathing, night urination, extreme hunger, lethargy and breath with a fruity odor. If these symptoms occur, see a doctor.

    Diagnosis of Juvenile Diabetes

    • Diagnosis of juvenile diabetes can be determined though a battery of tests. A physical examination by your physician, as well as blood and urine tests, may be performed. Additionally, a glucose tolerance test may be in order. Glucose tolerance testing can help determine whether your body is properly processing sugar.

    Treatment of Juvenile Diabetes

    • Treatment of juvenile diabetes may include a change in your dietary habits. Additionally, medication such as insulin may be prescribed in order to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Your doctor may require you to monitor your blood glucose levels at home using a glucose meter.

    Risk of Juvenile Diabetes

    • According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 90 percent of all juveniles who develop diabetes have no known relatives with diabetes. In many cases, the child is diagnosed at birth with the disease. Furthermore, there is no cure for juvenile diabetes. It is a chronic disease that lasts a lifetime.

    Preventing Type II juvenile diabetes

    • Type II juvenile diabetes is considered noninsulin-dependent diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, Type II diabetes can be prevented. Eating healthy, exercising on a regular basis and maintaining your body weight may help you prevent Type II diabetes.

    Managing Your Type I Diabetes

    • Managing your Type I diabetes is the best way to lessen the complications that can occur from juvenile diabetes. Eating steamed vegetables, nonfried foods, replacing refined sugar with sugar substitutes and restricting your sodium intake can help maintain healthier glucose levels. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits, whole-grain products and abstaining from eating foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates are the suggested guidelines for a healthier diet in Type I diabetes, according to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. According to the Mayo Clinic, Type I juvenile diabetes is not preventable.

Diabetes - Related Articles