Juvenile diabetes is caused due to destruction of insulin producing cells of the pancreas. This is due to damage to immune system. In viral infection the immune system attacks the cells containing viruses, but at the same time the immune system may attack the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells. It is an autoimmune disease.
Due to lack of insulin the glucose present in blood can not enter cells for further metabolism. As a result blood glucose level rises. There is an increase in hunger in spite of high blood glucose since the glucose is not available for metabolism and energy production.
Children never breastfed, infection by a virus of Coxsackie family or German measles, family history of juvenile diabetes, presence of certain genes, vitamin D deficiency and certain medications are the risk factors for the development of juvenile diabetes. Other risk factors are mother having preeclampsia in pregnancy, young maternal age, respiratory disease or jaundice just after birth.
Many different genes are involved in the expression of juvenile diabetes. Environmental factors play an important role in expression of the genes.
Weight loss, Extreme hunger, Increased thirst, Frequent urination, General fatigue, Irritability or unusual behavior, Blurred vision and yeast infection are the symptoms of juvenile diabetes.
Severe diaper rash, abdominal pain, dehydration and lethargy are the signs of type 1 diabetes in infants.
Juvenile diabetes can be diagnosed by random blood sugar test for screening.
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test and fasting blood sugar test are the tests to confirm the diagnosis. Urine ketone test is also done for diagnosis of the condition.
Juvenile diabetes requires constant care. Treatment is aimed at prolonging the life, treating symptoms and preventing complications.
Controlled diet, blood glucose monitoring, regular insulin and physical exercise are important. This needs to be followed lifelong.
Diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Food with high nutritive value but low in fat and calories is ideal in diabetes. Physical activity facilitates entry of blood sugar into the cells for metabolism. Blood sugar should be checked frequently and at regular intervals. Glucometer is a device for exact blood sugar readings. Foot care is important.
Insulin replacement therapy is the treatment for juvenile diabetes. Many types of insulin are available, dose and type of insulin required depends on the individual’s condition, the age, activity, medications, illness and the meal plan. Insulin pumps or insulin pens are available for easy administration of insulin. As with the high blood sugar level low blood sugar can also cause trouble which needs to be taken care of.
Pancreas transplant and islet cell transplant are under investigations for the treatment of juvenile diabetes.
Juvenile diabetes can cause coma from diabetic ketoacidocis. The condition can be fatal without treatment. There may be kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage, erection problems, diseases of heart and blood vessels, hypoglycemia, osteoporosis, foot complications and skin problems (infections).
