Insulin Dependent Diabetes in Children

Insulin Dependent Diabetes is also known as Juvenile Diabetes. Children are usually diagnosed between 7 and 20 years but may be diagnosed earlier. Insulin Dependent Diabetes can cause life-threatening complications therefore, it is important to understand this condition in order to effectively treat it.

Significance

Insulin dependent diabetic children do not produce the hormone, insulin, which is needed to transport energy (glucose) from food to the cells. The body must have insulin to live.

Cause

According to the American Association of Diabetes, insulin dependent diabetes in children (Juvenile Diabetes) is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body is attacking the cells that produce insulin.

Symptoms

When the body cannot get the energy it needs from food, it believes it is starving and triggers symptoms including increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination; a sudden and unexplained weight loss; lethargy; irritability; and blurry vision.

Diagnosis

The ADA recommends that diagnosis be made based on a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) of greater than 126 as well as symptoms.

Treatment

Insulin dependent diabetic children must have daily insulin injections. Diet and exercise play a crucial role in treatment also. The ADA says that no food is "off limits" as long as it is a part of a healthy diet.

Warning

Untreated or poorly treated diabetes leads to life-threatening complications including heart damage; kidney damage; hypertension; stroke; eye damage; nerve damage; death. These complications are seen in children as well as adults.