Grow Up Strong -- Manage Diabetes
When a child has diabetes, his or her body is unable to produce or properly use and store glucose (blood sugar), the body's main source of energy.
The two major types of diabetes are:
Type 1 -- Also known as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes, it occurs when the pancreas produces too little insulin, the hormone that allows blood sugar (glucose) to enter body cells and be used as fuel. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, but the body is unable to use it for energy.
Symptoms of Type 1 develop quickly over a short period of time and include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Significant weight loss
- Increased thirst and appetite
Type 2 -- Also known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, this life-long disease is preceded by insulin resistance, a condition where the body does not respond correctly to insulin. Environmental factors, such as obesity, low physical activity, and a diet high in sugar and fat, can aggravate the body's resistance to the action of insulin. It is typically an adult disease, but it has become increasingly prevalent in children, preteens, and adolescents as a result of increased levels of child obesity and decreased levels of physical activity in these age groups.
Early signs include:
- Excessive weight gain
- Fatigue due to insulin resistance
- Finding elevated blood sugar levels during routine physical exam
Studies have shown that if diabetic children learn to keep their blood glucose as close to normal as possible -- with diet, exercise, and medication -- they can reduce their risk of developing many of the health complications associated with diabetes by more than 50%.
Help your child stick to his or her diabetes management plan by following the daily guidelines for diet, exercise, and medication advised by the doctor. Also, be sure to develop an emergency plan that establishes for your child how to recognize the signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and what to do if faced with either situation.
RealAge Projection: Without good management, diabetes can dramatically undermine children's health, especially over time. If they fail to keep diabetes under control as adults, their RealAge could be more like 40 when they're really in their mid-30s.
