How to Diagnose Diabetes in Your Child

Diabetes in children is becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, type II diabetes is a big factor of childhood overweight or obesity. Diabetes can affect anyone at any time, as it is a disease that affects the body’s insulin, impairing its ability to digest food normally. There are two types of insulin children can develop: Type I and/or Type II. Refer to the American Diabetes Association for more information.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Type 1 Diabetes
   
   It is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent, and is caused by the inability to produce insulin. Type I diabetes occurs when the body no longer produces insulin, forcing your child to take it or help produce it otherwise in order to function. The main signs of diabetes include extreme thirst, urination and hunger, fruity or sweet smell on your breath, headaches, stomach aches and behavior problems. Diabetes is a life-long chronic disease for which there isn’t any cure and needs constant attention on a daily basis.

2. Type 2 Diabetes
   
   Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes. It is a disease where the pancreas does not make enough insulin or cannot properly use insulin. Your child needs to keep a close watch on his or her blood glucose levels with a home test device, which is easily obtainable. Although adults are usually diagnosed with Type II, however, it is becoming more common in children because of the rise in childhood obesity. Type II diabetes is more common in young girls than in boys around the ages 12 to 16. Keep in mind that symptoms of diabetes may vary. Some children will have no symptoms while others might experience excessive hunger, frequent urination, extreme tiredness, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, blurred vision and itchiness.

3. Complications of Diabetes in children
   
   Long-term common complications for diabetes in children with Type I develop gradually. If blood sugar levels are not controlled, diabetes complications can be disabling or even life threatening. Controlling your diabetes can reduce the risk of these complications drastically. These may include: kidney and nerve damage, eye complications, teeth problems, skin and foot complications, osteoporosis, and depression. Common complications for diabetes in children with Type II include health concerns, stroke, eye impairment, nerve damage, skin and foot problems, and depression.

4. Treatment of Diabetes
   
   Both types are treated with insulin through constant medication, diet and exercise. Your child can be treated to live a normal lifestyle once he or she is diagnosed with either Type I diabetes or Type II diabetes. Frequent glucose testing, administration of injections or medication, diet and exercise. If proper procedure is followed, your child can go to school, play with his or her friends, play sports and have a regular lifelong active life style.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep yourself up-to-date trough your doctor, and by practicing regular diabetes research.

Resources

• American Diabetes Association