Diabetes, a condition usually synonymous with older people, also affects children. However, there is a difference. Children suffer from a form of diabetes known as type 1 diabetes, also known, for obvious reasons, as juvenile diabetes. This is distinct from type 2 diabetes, which is the form that usually affects adults.
Juvenile diabetes this occurs because the pancreas produces very little or no insulin – the hormone in the presence of which sugar (or glucose) in the blood can be taken up and used by the different cells in the body. In contrast, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin. However, their body has developed a resistance to its effects.
The result in both cases is essentially the same. Children with diabetes, just like adult diabetics, cannot absorb glucose from their food to convert into energy required for normal functioning. Because this glucose present in blood cannot enter cells for further metabolism, its level in the blood rises sharply. As the level of glucose in the blood stream increases, it leads to the risk of serious complications.
An autoimmune diseaseJuvenile diabetes occurs because the body's own immune system – responsible for warding off attacks from disease-producing organisms – destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Thus it is called an autoimmune disorder. The exact cause of why this happens is, as yet, unknown. However, scientists believe that certain factors increase its risk.
For instance, research has proven that juvenile diabetes is higher in infants who have not been breastfed. Similarly, it is higher in infants affected by infections such as, say German measles. Genetic causes could also be the cause, as the presence of certain genes is known to increase the risk of juvenile diabetes. Finally, environmental or situational conditions, such as exposure to certain medications, can trigger the disease.
Research has also shown that vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids play a role in preventing juvenile diabetes; this could mean that a deficiency of these nutrients could also trigger the condition.
Risk of complicationsJuvenile diabetes is a complex condition that may lead to a range of symptoms. However, these are some of the more common signs you should look out for:
Some other signs of juvenile diabetes that you may see may include severe diaper rash, lethargy, abdominal pain or dehydration are some the other signs that can indicate juvenile diabetes.
Juvenile diabetes can ultimately lead to several complications in your child’s health, such as heart disease, damage to the kidneys and nerves, eye problems, osteoporosis and diabetic foot (a condition where infection in the leg can turn into gangrene. In severe cases, juvenile diabetes can lead to a coma or even death in the absence of prompt treatment.
Getting treatmentIf you notice signs or symptoms that suggest juvenile diabetes, consult your pediatrician. He may carry out a physical examination and even refer your child for certain tests, to check for juvenile diabetes.
In case of a positive diagnosis, your pediatrician will begin treatment – mainly aimed at relieving the various symptoms and prevent complications. You will usually be required to give your child insulin (insulin replacement therapy); the doctor will explain how this is to be done, so that you can carry out the procedure.
Initially, till the levels stabilize, you will be required to monitor your child’s blood sugar frequently (three times or more in a day) using a device known as a glucometer. Both, high or low blood sugar readings can mean trouble and will need to be attended to promptly. You will also need to pay special attention to your child’s feet; any wounds or bruises should be treated promptly to prevent complications.
Diet control and exercise are both crucial for the proper management of juvenile diabetes. An ideal diet that you should aim for is one that is high in nutritive value but low in fat and calories – feed your child plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also encourage some form of safe physical activity daily, as this will facilitate absorption of glucose in your child.
Currently research is underway to examine the possibility of new treatment options – such as pancreas transplant and islet cell transplants – for juvenile diabetes. Till the time these become a reality, a healthy lifestyle and daily monitoring will help your child to live a normal life.
Also read: Parenting a juvenile diabeticTags: Juvenile diabetes, GlucometerRead more:Why obesity in your child is dangerousAbsolute no-s in your child’s diet 
