Childhood Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms
Sterling Ostin
Of all the diseases affecting young people, childhood diabetes is one of the most common. This is a serious condition that affects children all over the world, but great advances in medical treatments allow young diabetics lead more normal, comfortable lives.
On average, 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. About 13,000 of these new cases are children. Broken down, that's 36 children every day that are diagnosed.
Kids With Type I Childhood Diabetes
Most diabetic children have Type I diabetes, commonly known as "juvenile" or "childhood diabetes". This condition is present at birth and prevents the body from producing insulin. Many people born with childhood diabetes are not diagnosed until adolescence. Children and teens with the condition must learn about the proper treatment methods.
Know the Warning Signs
A diabetic attack can happen suddenly, even when the disease has yet to be diagnosed. That's why it's so important that parents can recognize the warning signs. Without proper treatment, these attacks can have long-lasting consequences and, in extreme cases, may cause death.
There are signs and symptoms of juvenile diabetes that you can watch for. Extreme thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite or weight loss, sleepiness, labored breathing, sudden changes in vision and a sweet, fruity smell to the breath are common signs. Knowing these can be the first step to saving a life.
Childhood diabetes can be easy mistaken as other illnesses. Get immediate care if you notice that your child shows one or more of these symptoms. Insist that your doctor test your son or daughter for diabetes.
The failure to diagnose childhood diabetes can result in terrible consequences. Of course, unless the condition runs in your family, you may not automatically identify the importance of knowing all the symptoms. Thirst, frequent urination,, and blood glucose levels are the three main symptoms of childhood diabetes to keep in mind at all times.
If your son or daughter makes frequent trips to the bathroom, seems unusually thirsty or shows both of these signs, he or she may have elevated levels of blood sugar. Children, who seem to be lethargic or overly sleepy, feel clammy or just seem to be "off" might benefit from a trip to the doctor for a simple urine or blood test.
Your family doctor or pediatrician may wish to evaluate your child for other conditions as well, but it's important to rule out the possibility of childhood diabetes. If the condition goes undiagnosed and an attack occurs, you and your child will be forced into an emergency situation.
Health Risks Associated with Childhood Diabetes
A long list of potential health problems is brought to light when a child is diagnosed with diabetes. Low blood sugar levels may cause your child to suffer with vision problems, kidney and liver complications and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Elevated blood sugar levels, on the other hand, can increase the possibility of infection. Yeast infections, tooth abscess, wounds that won't heal, gangrene from infected wounds and a host of other ailments are possible. Nerve damage to the feet and other extremities can occur. These conditions can potentially cause pain and irreversible damage.
As you can see, childhood diabetes presents some very grown-up concerns. Ask your doctor to perform a blood screening. If your child is diagnosed, follow the treatment instructions carefully to help ensure the happy and healthy life that he or she deserves.
Writer Sterling Ostin contributes to several Internet sites, on http://healthy-zone.com/ healthy kid and http://fozic.com/ healthy dieting topics. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=25668&b=79 unique content version here.
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