Gathering information on juvenile diabetes is the best thing that you can do if you have a child who suffers from the disease. Diabetes is such a complex disease that it is important to learn as much information on diabetes as you can. In fact, if juvenile diabetes affects your life in any way, it is best to continue learning about it for years to come. This article will provide you with the basic information on juvenile diabetes, after which links are listed on where to go to continue to learn.

JDRF is the leading global organization which is focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Its website, JDRF.org, is a great place to obtain all types of information on juvenile diabetes. By their definition, type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, “is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food.” What happens is the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, which are called beta cells.

The specifics of why this occurs are still yet to be known. However, scientists believe that it is a combination of genetic and environmental triggers which cause the disease. Unlike type 2 diabetes, the onset of juvenile diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle.  Juvenile diabetes can strike both children and adults, though it is more likely to occur in children. If you suspect that you or your loved-one may have juvenile diabetes, look for the following symptoms:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Increase appetite
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Fruity odor to breath
  • Sudden vision changes

 

Information on Juvenile Diabetes Treatment

 

One of the challenges of juvenile diabetes is that it needs unceasing attention. Type 1 diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels constantly. While a child with diabetes must learn this skill for themselves, it is hard for a child to handle on their own and they will need help.

Blood sugar levels may be affected by daily activities, medications, and meals. So, blood sugar levels must be monitored 6 or more times a day. The most common type of blood sugar monitor is a small machine which takes readings from a test strip. A diabetic must prick their finger in order to get blood onto this strip. The disease also requires that several injections of insulin be given throughout the day.  A person with type 1 diabetes must also follow a healthy balanced meal plan in order to remain well.

A good website for children to go and learn about juvenile diabetes is KidsHealth.org. You can also find more information on juvenile diabetes by visiting the following websites:

  • Jdrf.org
  • Whatisjuvenilediabetes.com
  • WebMd.com
  • Wikipedia.org