Childhood Diabetes: 5 Things Parents Should Know
Reduce the Stress!
When you think that the incidence of childhood diabetes is approximately 500,000 worldwide, it is still certainly a medical issue that parents should know something about.
For the sake of reducing the stress which is placed on parents when they discover their child has diabetes, there are at least 5 things they should know.
Childhood Diabetes is regarded as an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks healthy cells, destroying their ability to perform properly.
Since most children under the age of 15 acquire Type I Diabetes, parents should know that this autoimmune disease attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leading to a variety of problems.
Cause of Childhood Diabetes
It's known that at least 90% of children with diabetes have Type I, but this fact does little to shed light on the causes of childhood diabetes. Typically, however, those with childhood diabetes don't come from families with a history of this problem.
In other words, childhood diabetes doesn't run in families.
Symptoms of Childhood Diabetes
Childhood diabetes is characterized by a fragile balance between having too much insulin (due to insulin treatments, to be discussed) and too much sugar.
Parents should know that the symptoms of childhood diabetes include excessive thirst and urination, a loss of weight, headaches and irritability, and the feeling of being tired.
If the balance between too much sugar and too much insulin is thrown off, parents should look for irritability and confusion.
Treatment for Childhood Diabetes
Because of the stress which is placed on parents due to the presence of diabetes in their child, they should know about the team of professionals which is at their disposal.
This medical team can provide instructions to parents and help to support their concerns.
Treatment for childhood diabetes involves a routine of insulin injections in the day and before bed at night. This routine is determined by the treatment team and varies according to the child's age.
For example, it seems that older children need more insulin while younger children might be able to avoid the nightly insulin injections.
Diet Guidelines for Childhood Diabetes
In helping their child with diabetes, parents should know about dietary guidelines. This knowledge also helps to alleviate stress and can be supported by a dietician.
It is important that the family eats the same food at regular meal times, with 2-3 snacks available at given times. Dietary guidelines for children with diabetes are really a matter of common sense. Good nutrition and exercise are important for everyone.
Families who eat meals together can also exercise together.
In sum, childhood diabetes is not thought to be a common childhood ailment. Still, it is prevalent enough to warrant concern on the part of parents.
By understanding childhood diabetes in terms of its description, symptoms and treatments, parents can better cope with this autoimmune disorder.
Source: Diabetes in children
www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/diabeteschildren.htm
Published by Dan Reveal
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8 Comments
Post a CommentGreat informaton on what seems to be more and more common!
Brilliant Dan, great info...... :o)
Outstanding Dan, thank you!
What a fine diagnostic work my friend. Outstanding. Your area of expertise covers many things.
It seems to be coming more prevalent. I never knew of diabetic children growing up but in my daughter's grammar school there were several diabetics. Again, maybe it is an environmental issue. While it can be controlled, it is still a dangerous condition. It is one my favorite causes for charity. And unlike Type II diabetes which is more often a disease of lifestyle, Type I diabetic children do not have that luxury of changing their lives to avoid this disease.
excellent information on a tragic disease
Type I diabetes is indeed a serious disease that causes a lifetime of health problems for those afflicted. Of more concern, however, is Type II diabetes, which mostly seems to afflict those (like me) in middle age. It is a growing problem worldwide; currently there are 7-8 million sufferers of Type II diabetes in the USA, and some estimates say there may be as many as 20 million additional undiagnosed diabetics or pre-diabetics in the United States. All the more reason for everyone to get themselves tested often, especially if there's a history of diabetes in their family. Excellent article, Dan. Thanks!
My brother was born with juvenile diabetes. It never stopped him from enjoying his life, living to the fullest or being a beautiful human being. He told me once, "There are so many worse things in life- at least I can control my diabetes." Cheers, Dan :)