Juvenile Diabetes: How To Raise A Healthy Kid

It can be tough to be a kid. Growing pains can come in all shapes and sizes, from sibling rivalries and playground bullies, to growth spurts and acne. But of all the challenges kids face, none are as unforgiving as a severe medical condition.

Juvenile diabetes is a disease that hinders childhood, and brutally changes the shape of adulthood. Even healthy, active kids with juvenile diabetes must face challenges every day of their lives. When kids have juvenile diabetes, they can face greater difficulties as they grow into adults. However, parents can take necessary steps today to help ensure good health in the future.

It’s easy to misinterpret and misunderstand the symptoms and causes of juvenile diabetes. Here are some of the facts that every parent needs to know:

The Basics

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that your child’s diabetes is not your fault, and you need to make sure that your child does not feel that he or she has brought about the disease. Popular to contrary belief, Type I or “juvenile” diabetes is not caused by childhood obesity or sugar overload. This is a genetic disease.

When kids have juvenile diabetes, an autoimmune response to pancreatic antigens is created, causing these proteins to break down. The pancreas delivers the insulin that breaks down glucose and converts the glucose into energy. In the United States alone, approximately 1.4 million people suffer from this form of diabetes.

Effects and Symptoms

There is a long list of possible side effects associated with juvenile diabetes. Kids can suffer with foot ulcers, digestive problems, possible kidney failure, difficulties with eyesight and even blindness. Symptoms of juvenile diabetes can include weight loss, blurred vision, excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue or lethargy and a numbing or tingling sensation in the hands and feet. If your child talks about having one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician right away.

Juvenile Diabetes Treatment Options

The cause of juvenile diabetes cannot be prevented, but there are treatment methods available to help to control the disease and lessen your child’s discomfort. If your child is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, find out of there is a diabetes clinic in your area. Insist that your doctor provide a referral to see a physician specializing in juvenile diabetes. This specialist will prescribe insulin and provide a special diet and exercise regime for your child. You will learn how to regularly monitor your child’s glucose levels.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the medications are administered properly, and that your child eats the right types of food. You also need to be sure that your child stays healthy and active, as exercise will help to stave off any complications from this illness.

Parents naturally want to prevent our children from harm and suffering; but unfortunately, some things are simply out of our control. Juvenile diabetes is a genetic disease that cannot be prevented. There are, however, precautions that may be taken.

If you are concerned that your child may have juvenile diabetes, see your family doctor or pediatrician right away. If there is a history of juvenile diabetes in your family, you must know the signs and symptoms.

Be prepared to take steps to help keep your child healthy. Smart food choices and plenty of exercise can help ensure that your child enjoys the healthy, carefree lifestyle that every kid deserves.

About the Author:

Essayist Venus Enock contributes to several popular web magazines, on healthy living and health diet fitness subjects.

Feature Image source: jerine’s photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerine/ – See Tuki and many other wonderful photo’s at her site.

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