Juvenile Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic state. The body become incapable to break down glucose (sugar) and store it properly. As the glucose cannot be stored, it remains in the person's bloodstream and this leads to many problems. There are two types of diabetes. Out of this, Type 1 Diabetes is called Juvenile Diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. This begins in childhood. Children that have juvenile diabetes are dependent on insulin. Some may also have thyroid conditions. Juvenile diabetes is an auto-immune disorder similar to others like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Heredity is a major reason of this disease. The body attacks the beta cells in the pancreas due to environmental trigger or virus. When these cells get destroyed, the body becomes incapable of producing insulin. This deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreas leads to high blood glucose level. Such patients are in need of insulin injections for survival.

Symptoms of Juvenile diabetes

• hunger increases
• thirst increases
• loss in weight
• fatigue
• urination increases
• flu like symptoms
• fruity breath odor
• betwetting or urinating at night
• confusion
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• heavy or labored breathing
• drowsiness or lethargy

Explanation of symptoms

• Hunger : As glucose does not reach the body cells, the body is not fed. So, there is a constant feeling of hunger
• Urination : As glucose does not reach the body cells, the level of glucose in the blood rises. The kidneys try to filter out the extraneous sugar in the blood. Thus, production of urine increases. So, there is a frequent urination. This is a very important sign of juvenile diabetes
• Thirst : Increase in urination, means that water is getting depleted from the body. So, the person feels thirsty constantly
• Weight : The reason of weight loss is that the body does not get the glucose it requires

Description of the disease
A part of the food an individual eats is broken down to sugar or glucose. This glucose passes in the bloodstream and into the body's cells through a hormone called insulin. This hormone is produced by the pancreas. The pancreas create the right amount of insulin as per the quantity of sugar. In case of those affected by juvenile diabetes, the pancreas produce less or no insulin or the cells do not respond normally to the insulin. Consequently, the quantity of sugar in the blood increases. This then becomes part of the urine and is output from the body in an unused condition. If such a condition lasts for a long period, then major complications regarding kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves may develop.

Cure for Juvenile diabetes

Insulin : This is injected under the skin using a syringe. Sometimes an infusion pump can be used to provide insulin continuously. It can not be taken orally. Preparations of insulin vary in how fast they show effect and how long they last. More than one type of insulin can be mixed to form an injection to have the best control of blood glucose. Insulin injections are given, 1 to 4 times a day. The heath care provider or a diabetes nurse educator teaches parents how to give injections to the child. Children above age 14 are expected to inject themselves on their own.

Diet : Meal planning must be such that there is consistency between the food and insulin so that the blood glucose level is regulated. If there is an imbalance between food and insulin, there are extreme variations in the blood glucose. The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association has planned healthy and balanced meals. Affected children may consult a registered dietitian or nutrition counselor.

Physical exercise : This is of prime importance as the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled, excess calories and fat are burned and ideal weight can be achieved. However, medical approval must be procured before starting an exercise program. There should be special precautions before, during and after physical exercise.

Self-testing : Monitoring must be done by checking the glucose content of a tiny drop of blood. The person will be able to analyze how the insulin injections, diet and physical exercise are working. It will become possible to alter these three to obtain the desired level. Also, it becomes possible to keep a watch how the disease is progressing and be alert before serious problems develop.

Low blood sugar : It may happen that due to insulin injections, diet and physical exercise the blood sugar may become very low. This leads to sweating, shaking, weakness, nervousness and hunger. When such symptoms show up, the blood sugar level must be tested with a test kit. If found low, fruit juice, a cup of skim milk, several spoons of sugar or regular soda may be consumed. It is expected that the sugar level would become normal within 15 minutes.