Type I Diabetes and Youth
Type I (insulin dependent)* diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce insulin, which is the hormone that aids in allowing glucose to enter and energize the cells. Diabetes is a chronic condition that has no cure. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Type I diabetes usually begins during childhood. Approximately 500,000 to1 million people are affected. Peak incidence occurs during puberty and tends to be genetic with a higher incidence in Caucasians.
Symptoms of diabetes can mimic the flu. The following problems can occur when the body does not produce insulin:
Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose levels get too high from either too little insulin or too much food. Symptoms of this include excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination and blurred vision. The treatment of this would be to check blood sugar levels and give insulin. Untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to ketoacidosis, a very serious condition.
Ketoacidosis - Ketones are a waste product that builds up when the body burns fat for energy. Very high levels of ketones in blood and urine cause Ketoacidosis. It is very important to check for ketones by using urine dipsticks that signify high levels of ketones. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include dehydration, vomiting, drowsiness, labored breathing, fruity smelling breath, abdominal pain and if left untreated can lead to coma.
Hypoglycemia - Occurs when blood sugar levels get too low either from too much insulin or too little food. It is the most common problem in children with diabetes. Symptoms include trembling, hunger, sleepiness, pale skin, dizziness, crying, clumsiness and headaches. Hypoglycemia can be treated by giving the child a sweet food or drink such as juice, hard candy, soda or sugar cubes followed by a snack such as crackers with cheese or peanut butter.
Complications of diabetes range from heart disease, stroke, vision loss, amputation and kidney disease. This is why it is so important to teach and instill good diabetes care practices, which include eating reasonably and consistently, testing blood sugar regularly, adjusting insulin dose as glucose and activity warrant and exercising regularly.
Type II (non-insulin dependent)* diabetes is a condition in which the body fails to use insulin properly combined with an insulin deficiency. Experts have noted an alarming rise in Type II diabetes in children and adolescents. It is being linked to an increasingly overweight and sedentary society. It is the most common type of diabetes in which ages> 45 were usually inflicted. The ADA’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people affected. Research is continuing to strive for this goal.
Resources are available to the community in various ways. It is encouraged to seek support and information regarding diabetes. Teams of qualified health care professionals will provide education and counseling needed to understand diabetes, medication, meal planning, exercise, glucose monitoring and complications. Please refer to the following:
Center for Lifestyle Enhancement
The Medical Center of Plano
3900 American Dr.
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 519-1207
Youth Support Groups:
| Medical Center of Lewisville 500 W. Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057 (972) 420-1012 |
Mesquite Community Hospital 3500 I-30 at Motley Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 698-2570 |
Camp New Horizons, a day camp for children with diabetes and their siblings offers a wonderful experience for children to interact with peers who also have diabetes. The environment fosters appropriate levels of independence and sharing, an opportunity to acquire needed education and the necessary skills to participate in activities. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels and treatments are also provided. For more information, please call Pam at (972) 740-2141.
For more information about diabetes please contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES or the Center for Lifestyle Enhancement at (972) 519-1207.
*Information obtained from American Diabetes Association