• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Juvenile Diabetes in Children

January 5, 2011 by ds_40090 Leave a Comment

If your doctor diagnoses your child with juvenile diabetes, remember that it is not a death sentence. Although there is no cure, research has made large strides in the treatment and management of this disease. With your help and the proper medication, a heart-healthy diet and consistent physical activity, your child can lead a long and normal life.

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Although its precise cause is unknown, the medical community believes it is the result of a combination of genetic and other environmental factors.

Blood Glucose and Insulin

The carbohydrates that you consume become glucose. When your blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas reacts by secreting a hormone called insulin that allows the body’s cells and organs to use the glucose for energy. In a person with diabetes, either the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body is unable to utilize it effectively, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. If not managed properly, the high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, called hyperglycemia, can cause long-term serious health complications.

Types of Diabetes

The three most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease, is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes because it is most frequently diagnosed in adults. Gestational diabetes is a transient form of the disease that occurs during pregnancy. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a classic form of the disease where the pancreas’ beta cells stop their production of insulin.

Prevalence

Type 1 diabetes can present at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in young children and adolescents. The American Diabetes Association reports that only 5 to 10 percent of those afflicted with the disease have type 1 diabetes, and it occurs in roughly 1 in every 400 to 600 children.

Management of the Disease in Children

The disease is chronic and there is no cure, but research has come a long way in the treatment and management of it. Type 1 diabetics must inject insulin every day or wear an insulin pump to take over the process of getting insulin into the bloodstream, and they must monitor their blood glucose levels several times per day.

Contrary to popular belief, your child can eat sweets as a limited part of a healthy, balanced diet. You must monitor your child’s carbohydrate intake, including sugar, and coordinate insulin dosages accordingly. Meal planning will become a part of your daily routine, as your child will need to eat his meals and snacks at consistent times throughout the day. Be thankful if you have an energetic child, since physical activity is critical in managing type 1 diabetes.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Living Healthy

About ds_40090

After attending Fairfield University, Hannah Wickford spent more than 15 years in market research and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry. In 2003, she decided to shift careers and now maintains three successful food-related blogs and writes online articles, website copy and newsletters for multiple clients including Trails, Travels and Golflink.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

Six Reasons to Have Six Kids

When people hear that I have six kids, the reaction is … [Read More...] about Six Reasons to Have Six Kids

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

Juice Vs. Concentrate

Juice Vs. Concentrate

abdominal pain on the left side in pregnancy

Abdominal Pain on the Left Side in Pregnancy

stop a new piercing from itching

How to Stop a New Piercing From Itching

Does Pregnancy Cause Flu-Like Symptoms?

Does Pregnancy Cause Flu-Like Symptoms?

what causes baby hiccups

What Causes Baby Hiccups?

Academic Parental Pressure on Kids

The Effects of Academic Parental Pressure on Kids

Pregnancy and Sinus Pain

Pregnancy and Sinus Pain

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.