Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes is an auto-immune affliction also known as Type I diabetes. Type I diabetes is a disease that occurs when the immune system of the body mistakes the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreas as an enemy, and attacks and destroys them. This problem strikes children with little to no warning, and leaves them dependent on an outside insulin source for the rest of their lives. This insulin is either injected or pumped into them. In addition to the worry of having to maintain insulin levels, sufferers of juvenile diabetes also have to be concerned about possible life-altering complications.

A sufferer of this affliction needs to take multiple insulin shots every day, or they may use a pump to constantly supply their body with insulin. Blood sugar must be tested very often, which is usually done by pricking the finger to get a blood sample. This needs to be done as commonly as 6 times per day. Due to this blood sugar issue, one needs to monitor their diet in comparison with their insulin supplies to insure that they will not suffer serious reactions from having too low of blood sugar (hypoglycemic reaction) or too high of it (hyperglycemic reaction). These reactions can be very troublesome, and can even be threatening to the very life of the individual. Other factors such as stress, growth periods, medications, affliction with illness, physical activity, and changes in hormonal levels can trigger an issue with blood sugar levels.

While Type I diabetes is most often diagnosed while the individual is a child, it is also entirely possible for an adult to become afflicted. The causes of becoming a Type I diabetes sufferer are not fully known, however, it is suspected by many scientists that both factors in our genetics and our surrounding environments may have a lot to do with it. As much as 3 million people in the United States alone are Type I diabetes sufferers. On the average day, 35 new cases of juvenile diabetes are diagnosed. That accounts for over 13 thousand people per year becoming dependent on insulin to survive. If you think that you or your child may be a Type I diabetes sufferer, there are some warning signs to look for. Does your child urinate frequently, suffer from intense thirst and an increased appetite? These are some factors that, if present, may be worthy of a visit to the doctor to check for diabetes. Weight loss that occurs suddenly and without just cause is another warning sign for Type I diabetes. Heavy breathing and unconsciousness are some of the more desperate symptoms of a Type I sufferer.

If your child has Type I diabetes, it is of utmost importance to get the problem under control as soon as possible. While insulin is not a cure for diabetes, it is important to fend off the possible devastating complications of diabetes such as kidney failure, damage to the nerves, heart attacks, or strokes. It is a life-long problem, which, while problematic and upsetting, is important to keep in check.