Has your child been diagnosed with diabetes? The challenges of raising a child suffering with diabetes are many. Having complete knowledge about its treatment, care, diabetes diet and precautions can help you deal with child diabetes effectively. Child diabetes or Type I diabetes, is most common in children and teenagers. In rare cases it has been found in adults too. This is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin which results in high sugar levels in the body.

The exact cause for diabetes is hard to state. Many doctors feel the causes can be a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Identifying The Symptoms

The first signs of juvenile diabetes are frequent urination. This is known as Polyuria. However, not all children who show this symptom are diabetics. Polyuria can also occur due to excessive fluid intake. Consult a doctor and get your child tested before reaching a conclusion.

Another common symptom is excessive thirst. This condition is called as Polydipsia. Polydipsia and Polyuria are interdependent. Excessive urination drains the system and a person starts feeling very thirsty. If for some reason, intake of water is reduced then the body starts using water from blood cells causing cell dehydration.
Many diabetic cases have also shown signs of altered vision. High glucose level inside the body changes the shape of the lens inside the pupil of the eye. This results in blurred vision.

Child diabetes sometimes creates swelling and other problems in the feet. At such occasions, a podiatrist should be consulted. Other symptoms might involve vomiting, nausea, abdominal pains, headaches etc. In teenagers, child diabetes can result in the absence of menstruation. Children can show irritable behavior. One of the most dangerous conditions is that of diabetes coma, which leads to unconsciousness.

If one or more of such symptoms persist, parents should consult a doctor immediately and start treatment.

What Is The Cure?

Recent studies show that on an average, 35 children and adolescents in America are diagnosed with diabetes. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for child diabetes till date. Researchers and doctors are trying to find a cure or a definite treatment for this disorder. Taking insulin does not cure this child diabetes. Individuals suffering with Type I diabetes should regularly get their blood sugar levels tested.

Proper care and precautions can help diabetic children lead an active and healthy life. New developments are taking place in the researches and one day we shall have a cure for this chronic disease.

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