Juvenile Diabetes affects more than 200,000 young Canadians who require a daily insulin injection just to live. This serious disease can have devastating effects if not caught early and managed properly. Here, we explain what juvenile diabetes is, and how you can recognize the signs.
What is Diabetes?
To provide the energy we need to stay alive, glucose (a form of sugar produced when sugars and starches are digested), is burned as fuel within the body’s cells. In order for glucose to reach the cells, it must be transported by the hormone insulin.
Insulin is produced in the pancreas, a gland located just underneath the stomach. The primary purpose of insulin is to regulate the body’s use of glucose. When insulin is not manufactured by the pancreas or the insulin produced is ineffective, the body cannot utilize glucose as fuel. This gives rise to the condition known as diabetes.
There are two primary kinds of diabetes: Type 1 (juvenile) and Type 2 (adult onset). Juvenile diabetes can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed before age 30. This type of diabetes is often referred to as “insulin dependent” because it is necessary to provide the body with insulin in order for it to process food properly.
When a child develops diabetes, it is most often juvenile diabetes (although Type 2 “adult onset” diabetes is now being diagnosed more frequently in children, coinciding with an increase in childhood obesity.)
Research has shown that the trigger for juvenile diabetes - an event or series of events occurring many months before the symptoms present themselves - is a combination of environmental and genetic factors. These cause the body’s immune system to attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Recognizing Juvenile Diabetes
Most newly diagnosed cases of juvenile diabetes occur in children and young adults. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of juvenile diabetes because this form of diabetes is often mistaken for other conditions such as the flu - with tragic consequences.
If you notice one or more of the following symptoms in your child you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Through a few simple tests, the doctor will determine if your child has diabetes. Keep in mind that the symptoms of juvenile diabetes may come on suddenly.
- Extreme thirst.
- Frequent urination, in large quantities.
- Increased appetite.
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Weakness, drowsiness or exhaustion.
- Sudden vision changes or blurred vision.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- A fruity, sweet or wine-like odour on the breath.
- Heavy, laboured breathing.
Recognizing the signs of juvenile diabetes can literally save your child’s life.
How Diabetes Affects the Body
As time progresses, high blood sugar levels can damage the large and small vessels of the body, preventing oxygen and essential nutrients from reaching vital areas. This can give rise to complications involving the eyes, the kidneys, and the blood circulation. Fortunately, early intervention and careful management can help to deter diabetes-related complications. Studies have shown that people with diabetes who keep their blood glucose within near-normal ranges have up to a 60 percent reduction in long-term complications from the disease.‡
Can Childhood Diabetes Be Cured?
At this point in time, diabetes is a chronic disease that is never outgrown. It can, however, be managed effectively.
If your child has just been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be assured that help is available to you. You may wish to set up an appointment to discuss diabetes management techniques and options with a London Drugs patient care pharmacist. Other support organizations include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA). Phone numbers for local chapters of these organizations may be found in your local phone directory.
One day in the not-too-distant future, a cure for diabetes will be found. Until that time, careful management will minimize the risk of long-term complications and allow your child to live a healthy and productive life.
‡ As determined by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). This 10-year study (1983-1993) was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to assess the effects of intensive therapy on the long-term complications of diabetes.