Juvenile Diabetes: How To Raise A Healthy Kid
Venus Enock
It's not always easy to be a kid. They face all sorts of growing pains, from sibling rivalries and playground bullies to growth spurts and acne. But the biggest challenges are face by children with chronic medical conditions.
Juvenile diabetes is a disease that hinders childhood and can also brutally change the shape of adulthood. Even healthy, active kids with juvenile diabetes must face this opponent every day of their lives. Juvenile diabetes can rob kids of their good health as they grow into adults. As a parent, you can take necessary steps today to help raise a healthier kid.
Causes and symptoms of juvenile diabetes are easily misunderstood and misinterpreted. These are the facts that every parent must be aware of:
Basics of Juvenile Diabetes
The most important point to realize is that you are not to blame for your child's condition. It's also crucial that your child understands that he or she did nothing "wrong" and is not to blame for having juvenile diabetes. In spite of what many people think, Type I or "juvenile" diabetes is not brought about by childhood obesity or sugar overload. It's 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.
Symptoms and Effects
Juvenile diabetes is presented with a long list of possible side effects. Foot ulcers, digestive problems, possible kidney failure, difficulties with eyesight and even blindness can occur. Symptoms of juvenile diabetes include blurred vision, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, extreme fatigue or lethargy and a numbing or tingling sensation in the feet and hands. If your child complains about one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician immediately.
Treatment Options
There is no way to prevent the cause of juvenile diabetes, but there are treatment methods available to help to control the disease and reduce your child's discomfort. If your child is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, your first step is to find a diabetes clinic in your area. Insist on a doctor's referral to see a physician specializing in juvenile diabetes. Your child's specialist will prescribe insulin and speak to you about diet and exercise requirements. You'll learn how to monitor your child's glucose levels on a regular basis.
It's your responsibility to ensure that medications are administered properly and your child eats the right types of food. You'll also need to be sure that your child stays healthy and active. Exercise is essential in staving 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 little one may be suffering from this illness, take him or her to the doctor. If anyone in your family has a history of juvenile diabetes, you must know the signs and symptoms.
Take steps to help keep your child healthy. With smart food choices and plenty of exercise, your child can enjoy the healthy, carefree lifestyle that every kid deserves.
Columnist Venus Enock is a freelancer for a variety of web magazines, on http://nedod.com/ health discovery and http://bosiv.com/ health diet fitness topics.
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