Childhood Diabetes
(Jus Kuntree)


Often when we think of diabetes, we automatically think of an adult. Unfortunately, children also may suffer from diabetes, and in some cases, it may take some time before it is diagnosed. This in itself can present a danger. The onset of Type 1 diabetes in children may occur at a very early age, even during infancy. For this reason, it is not impossible for recognition of it’s presence to be delayed, as the symptoms may not present themselves clearly. It’s quite possible that it could go unnoticed until such time as the child becomes seriously ill. Type 1 diabetes differs from the Type 2, which is more common, and is what more than 90% of adult diabetics are diagnosed with. Interestingly enough, although family history of diabetes plays a huge role in the risk of becoming diabetic, in children with Type 1, insulin dependent diabetes, there often is no family history of diabetes whatsoever.
Therefore, it is not advised to rule out the possibility, should your family be lacking a diabetes history. There are things that a parent should watch for in their children.

1. Increased need for fluids (drinks more).
2. If they become dehydrated.
3. Lack of growth or weight gain.
4. Loss of appetite (more common in young children).
5. Diaper rash that is severe, and does not heal with treatment.
6. Loss of weight even with an increased appetite.
7. Increased emptying of the bladder.
8. Blurred vision. 9. Irritability.
10. Persistent vomiting, especially in the presence of drowsiness and/or weakness.

If any of these symptoms appear, it is crucial to have your child checked for diabetes, which can be done with a simple urine test. Further testing may be advised by your physician, either to rule out diabetes, or to rule out other possible causes.

Symptoms of Diabetes Screening Quiz http://pediatrics.about.com/od/screeningquizzes/l/bl_diabetes.htm

Diabetes Information For Parents And Kids
http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids.jsp

Understanding Childhood Diabetes
http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_id=zzzo9nrtq7c&sub_cat=545



GOF   Back 


Set exclusively designed by GK Ann for The Garden of Friendship
All ideas, concepts, and content including text, content and graphics 
are owned by The Garden of Friendship and its members unless otherwise noted
and should not be taken or duplicated without express written consent
Copyright © 2000 and Beyond. 
This is not linkware
D