Childhood diabetes or Type I diabetes or Juvenile diabetes, is a chronic disease in which the beta cells of the pancreas stop producing insulin. Insulin helps in the break-down of food into glucose, which is the main source of fuel in the body. Childhood diabetes needs immediate attention since it can result in a number of disorders in the body. Many cases however are not diagnosed till teenage.

Symptoms indicating childhood diabetes

Childhood Diabetes is a critical condition and can result in serious complications if timely care and treatment are not provided. There are a lot of symptoms pertaining to childhood diabetes. Some of them are: excessive thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, abnormal weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. A child suffering from diabetes might suffer from stomach aches and headaches. They might become irritable and aggressive. Diabetes in children often gets unnoticed because parents consider frequent urination a result of undue fluid intake.

If such symptoms persist, the child should be taken to a doctor for thorough check-up. On an average around 30,000 Americans are affected by childhood diabetes each year. Studies reveal approximately 36 children and adolescents are diagnosed with diabetes each day.

Health Risks attached to Childhood Diabetes

Diabetes can result in extremely low level of sugar in the body which can even cause death in extreme conditions. Childhood diabetes can result in blurred vision, kidney failure, liver problems etc. Also, diabetics run higher chances of suffering heart-attacks and strokes. Many infections like yeast infection, abscessed teeth, gangrene and skin allergies can develop.

Individuals suffering with Type I diabetes should regularly get their blood sugar levels tested. Improper care can result in damaged nerves. One of the most dangerous conditions is that of diabetes coma, which leads to unconsciousness. Extreme complications can result in the amputation of limbs.

Take Immediate Action

Does your child feel unusually thirsty? Has he become lethargic and irritable? Do not take these symptoms lightly. Consult a doctor and get all tests done for your kid immediately. Many parents with no family history of diabetes can take such symptoms in their child lightly. This can be signs of childhood diabetes.

Parents should take symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and raised sugar levels in the body seriously. Childhood diabetes is a serious disorder that can lead to a series of complications in the body. Delayed diagnosis can even result in blindness, amputation, kidney failure and so on.

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