It causes problems with how the body uses food to make energy.
It happens when the body can't make enough insulin or when the body can't
use insulin.
Insulin helps the body use glucose. Glucose gives the body energy. It is
the main sugar used by the body.
Since people with diabetes have trouble making or using insulin, their body
has problems using glucose.
Their bodies may sometimes have too much or too little glucose.
Glucose can build up in the blood making a person sick. Too much glucose
is not healthy.
Too little glucose is also not healthy. The body needs a steady supply of
glucose to work properly.
Diabetes can sometimes lead to other illnesses and conditions, such as heart
disease, stroke, and nerve damage.
It can lead to vision problems, kidney problems, and problems with the gums
and teeth.
What are the different types? There are three different types:
Type 1: People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to stay
healthy. It is most common in children and young adults. It used to be called
"juvenile diabetes."
Type 2: People with Type 2 diabetes often need to follow a strict diet or
exercise to stay healthy. They may need to lose weight, take medication, or
take insulin injections (shots). It is most common in older adults.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women who have
never had diabetes before. During pregnancy, they have diabetic symptoms.
They usually go away after the baby is born.
What causes it?
Diabetes may be caused by genetic syndromes, medications, chemicals, poor
diet, infections, or other illnesses.
Who can get it?
People of any age can get diabetes.
It is most common in older people.
It is more common in overweight people.
It is more common in sedentary people (people who sit a lot).
People with a family history of diabetes are more likely to get diabetes.
Only pregnant women can get gestational diabetes. After pregnancy, the woman
is at higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.
Women with diabetes are at higher risk of having babies with birth defects.
What are the signs and symptoms? There may be no symptoms. Symptoms can include:
Feeling thirsty
Having to urinate more often
Constant hunger
Weight loss
Blurry vision
Feeling very tired
Upset stomach
Dry, itchy skin
Feet feel tingly
Losing feeling in the feet
Get infections easily
Sores and wounds heal slowly
Is it contagious?
No. Diabetes is not contagious.
How is it treated?
If you think your child has diabetes, take him to the doctor.
The doctor will need to take tests in order to make a diagnosis.
If your child has diabetes, he will probably need to see an endocrinologist
(a doctor who specializes in metabolic problems).
The doctor will help you carry out a plan to manage his condition.
The plan will depend on what type of diabetes your child has.
The goal of treatment is to keep glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
Your child may have to eat certain foods and exercise or lose weight.
He may have to take daily shots of insulin or take oral (by mouth) medications.
His glucose levels will have to be tested several times every day to make
sure that they don't go too high or too low.
If your child's glucose level gets too low, he may become nervous, shaky,
and confused. He may not be able to think straight and could faint. This condition
is called "hypoglycemia."
If his glucose level goes too high, he could become ill. This condition
is called "hyperglycemia."
Your child should see a doctor for regular eye exams. He may also need to
see a podiatrist, or foot doctor and a dietician. A dietician can help him
manage his daily food intake.
During the teenage years, your child will want to have more independence.
Let him take charge of his diabetes treatment with your help. You can help,
but don't "baby" him.
How long does it last?
Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be controlled.
Can it be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent diabetes.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your think your child shows symptoms of diabetes.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment
plan.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects glucose and insulin levels
in the body.
There are three types of diabetes; Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Diabetes may be caused by genetic syndromes, medications, chemicals, poor
diet, infections, or other illnesses.
People of any age can get diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is most common in children.
Symptoms may include feeling thirsty, having to urinate more often, constant
hunger, weight loss, blurry vision, and feeling very tired.
Diabetes is not contagious.
If your child has diabetes, the doctor will help you carry out a plan to
manage his condition.
Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be controlled.
There is no known way to prevent diabetes.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.
References
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Overview of Diabetes. 1996-2001
(cited 2002 February 15). URL: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/condition_section_index.jsp?id=-9038
NIDDK. Diabetes Overview. NIH. 2002 February (cited 2002 February 15). URL:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/dmover/dmover.htm
NIDDK. Your Guide to Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. NIH. 2002 February (cited
2002 February 15). URL: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/type1-2/index.htm
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