Childhood Diabetes

Childhood diabetes is a growing problem in the United States. The disease is affecting more children and families each year. Diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, causing high blood sugar. Common symptoms include: frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger and lack of energy. High blood glucose often leads to changes in the shape in the lenses of the eye, resulting in vision changes. Blurred vision is a common complaint that often leads to a diabetes diagnosis.

Types of diabetes

Most cases of diabetes generally fall into one of three broad categories: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is characterized by the loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas which leads to an insulin deficiency. Type 1 diabetes is the most common form among children, comprising between 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases involving children 16 and under. Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks one of the body's own tissues or organs. The majority of type 1 cases do not have a family history of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, while the most common among adults, is rare with children; however, type 2 is recently more common in children. Many doctors believe this is likely caused by the increasing trend toward obesity in current society.

How childhood diabetes is treated

Most children with diabetes require insulin treatment. Doctors generally put each child on an individualized insulin routine, using frequent daily dosage regimes of fast-acting insulin during the day and slow-acting insulin at night. Very small children often do not require injections at night, but eventually need one as they grow older. Along with insulin treatment, quality glucose control and the avoidance of low glucose attacks is important.

Childhood diabetes is a growing problem in society. Monitor children for symptoms closely; doctor visits are highly encouraged if even minor symptoms arise. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best methods to prevent the onset of diabetes.