A Juvenile Diabetes Diagnosis

While a juvenile diabetes diagnosis, type 1, is a very scary thing, it can often be maintained.

Since a juvenile diabetes diagnosis is usually occurs in children , teenagers and people under the age of 30, it means a life time of maintenance.

Parents need to be vigilant. Ironically diabetes is often associated with older, overweight, middle aged persons who are thought to be paying the price for earlier life excesses.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore the glucose in the blood can no longer enter the muscle or be used by cells in the body. The consequence of this is a rapid build-up of glucose in the blood stream.

It appears that, as with many of the common diseases of the endocrine system, an auto-immune problem is the root cause of type 1 diabetes. The body’s natural defense mechanisms begin to turn on body tissue as well as or rather than the invaders they are designed to destroy. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the valuable beta cells within the pancreas that are responsible for the production and release of insulin.

Without beta cells there can be no naturally produced insulin and glucose levels rapidly escalate to dangerous levels.

Unfortunately, early symptoms are subtle and very easy to attribute to other childhood illnesses, conditions and ways of being:

Rapid Weight Loss is often the most noticeable symptom.
Extreme thirst – is not unusual in children, especially in warm weather. Also, once children are old enough and tall enough get water themselves it can be difficult to monitor their fluid intake.
Frequent urination – this may become apparent to parents if traveling with children, but just around the home it can be difficult to spot.
Eye Sight or Vision Changes – should not be attributed to too much time in front of the television or computer screen.
Sweet smelling breath may be noticed by parents and may equally well be attributed to something the child has eaten.
Increased appetites may be remarked upon, but of course children are growing and can have large appetites.
Lack of energy or even drowsiness, unless excessive, may not be noticed or remarked upon. Many children now lead very sedentary lifestyles and lethargy may simply not be noticed.
Heavy, labored breathing is another symptom which can be masked by any number of respiratory problems which seem to be more prevalent in children nowadays (i.e. asthma).
Sugar in the urine would only be noticed by a specific medical test and it is not something a parent would notice in the home.

From the above it be obvious how important it is for parents to be vigilant. In this day and age when everyone is so busy it can be very easy to overlook differences in children. Distraction with the work or domestic problems of the day can cause what should be quite obvious clues to be missed.

All parents should make themselves aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes so they can respond quickly in the event that their child develops this disease. The earlier treatment is sought, the less damage that is done.

Tips and Management for Diabetes

Caring for your health is an important part of living with diabetes. While it can seem overwhelming and a terrible burden, especially when you first receive the diagnosis, to live happy, healthy, long life.

It is possible!

You will need to fit diabetes management into your schedule. Take your medicine at the same time each day, exercise, and check on your feet. Here are a few ways to help.

Check your blood glucose levels. This is the important and will prevent complications from diabetes and stay healthy. The levels should be below 120 mg/dl before meals, and 180 mg/dl after meals.

Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. They should be taken as ordered and at the same time each day. Doing it at the same time will make it a "routine" that is part of your day. Usually at meal time.

Drink plenty, at least 64 ounces, of water each day. Be careful of how much alcohol and caffeine you take in during the day.

Make sure your diet includes carbohydrates, fats (good fats), and lean protein. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables. A healthy diet will also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious diseases. For more on diabetes diets click here.

Include a multivitamin in your diet. It is important that the vitamin includes antioxidants, betacarotenoids, zinc, and selenium.

Take care of your feet. This doesn’t sound like a big problem, but it can be if you have sores on your feet and they become infected. Check your feet carefully after a bath, or before you go to bed. Use a mirror to check the soles of your feet. Wash and dry them carefully, especially dry between the toes thoroughly. If you use lotion on your feet, do not use lotion between your toes. You will need to see a doctor if you have a sore that doesn’t begin healing in a couple of days. Wear shoes and socks that are comfortable and protect your feet.

Brush and floss your teeth to help avoid gum disease. Gum disease is often associated with diabetic patients. High cholesterol and cardiovascular disease are also linked to gum disease.

Exercise. Exercise. EXERCISE. Get your body moving, it will help you deal with stress, reduce your blood glucose levels, benefits your heart, lowers cholesterol and will aid in elevating your mood.

Take a walk, play a round of golf, march in place during commercials. Even walking slow is a benefit. Some exercise is better than no exercise at all.

Get up, get moving, and get healthy!