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It’s not always easy to be a kid. They face all sorts of growing pains, from sibling rivalries and playground bullies to growth spurts and acne. But the biggest challenges are face by children with chronic medical conditions.

Juvenile diabetes is a disease that hinders childhood and can also brutally change the shape of adulthood. Even healthy, active kids with juvenile diabetes must face this opponent every day of their lives. Juvenile diabetes can rob kids of their good health as they grow into adults. As a parent, you can take necessary steps today to help raise a healthier kid.

It’s easy to misinterpret and misunderstand the symptoms and causes of juvenile diabetes. Here are some of the facts that every parent needs to know:

The Basics

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that your child’s diabetes is not your fault, and you need to make sure that your child does not feel that he or she has brought about the disease. Popular to contrary belief, Type I or “juvenile” diabetes is not caused by childhood obesity or sugar overload. This is a genetic disease.

When kids have juvenile diabetes, the body creates an autoimmune response to pancreatic antigens, and these proteins will break down. The pancreas is responsible for delivering the insulin that breaks down glucose and converting the glucose into energy. Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from this form of diabetes in the United States alone.

Effects and Symptoms

There is a long list of possible side effects associated with juvenile diabetes. Kids can suffer with foot ulcers, digestive problems, possible kidney failure, difficulties with eyesight and even blindness. Symptoms of juvenile diabetes can include weight loss, blurred vision, excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue or lethargy and a numbing or tingling sensation in the hands and feet. If your child talks about having one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician right away.

Juvenile Diabetes Treatment Options

While the cause of juvenile diabetes cannot be prevented, there are treatment methods available to help to control the disease and lessen your child’s discomfort. See if there is a diabetes clinic in your area and, if possible, insist on a referral to a doctor specializing in juvenile diabetes. He or she will prescribe insulin and provide a special diet and exercise regime for your child. The doctor will also show you how to regularly monitor your child’s glucose levels.

And you’ll need to be sure that your child is taking his or her medications properly, and eating the right foods. You’ll also need to be sure that your child stays healthy and active, because exercise is very important in staving off potential complications of juvenile diabetes.

As a parent, you naturally want to prevent your children from harm and suffering. Unfortunately, some things are simply out of our control. As a genetic disease, juvenile diabetes cannot be prevented, but there are certain precautions that you can take.

If you are concerned that your child may have juvenile diabetes, see your family doctor or pediatrician right away. If there is a history of juvenile diabetes in your family, you must know the signs and symptoms.

Parents need to take steps to keep our children healthy. If your child has juvenile diabetes, make sure that he or she gets plenty of exercise and make smart food choices. It’s the best way to ensure the healthy, carefree lifestyle that your child deserves.

Tags: Health

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