Juvenile Diabetes
Coping with Juvenile Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes is one form of diabetes. Typically it develops in young people under the age of twenty but that does not mean older individuals are immune to the risk. The condition involves the destruction of beta cells in the kidneys. This results in irregular blood sugar levels which can lead to severe physical damage, including blindness and nerve damage.
Symptoms
For many people, the symptoms of juvenile diabetes are the first warning that their may be a problem with their health. These symptoms can include all of the following:
• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• Vision problems
• Increased urination
Types of Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes is one of two forms of diabetes. The other form is Type 2 Diabetes.
Causes
While no definite cause has been determined there is an observed link between heredity and the development of the condition. There is also evidence that there may be an environmental factor. While Type 2 Diabetes is often associated with obesity, no such link exists between Type 1 diabetes and overeating.
Diagnosis & Prognosis
Both blood tests and analysis of urine are used in diagnosing the condition. If you are found to have juvenile diabetes, you must learn to manage the disease because no cure is available. Management involves checking blood sugar levels several times a day and administering insulin injections. Many people lead long and healthy lives with the condition.
Treatment
Among the most successful treatments are managing the lifestyle. This includes monitoring both the diet and activity. There are also insulin injections that are used to regulate blood sugar levels.
Juvenile Diabetes Management
If you have Type 1 Diabetes, you can’t risk having a medical emergency without wearing a medical bracelet that alerts doctors and other health care workers about your condition when you are unable to. If your blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, fast action is going to be critical to your survival.