How to Cope with Juvenile and Childhood Diabetes

Knowledge is the First Step of a Life Long Journey

The diagnosis that a child has Diabetes is a frightening and life altering event that affects the lives of not only the child, but the parents and immediate family as well. Despite the inevitable changes that diabetes will create it is important that parents of children with childhood diabetes realize that it is a disease that is and always will be a part of their lives. A part of their lives that shouldn't become their entire life

The best way to learn how to incorporate the changes brought on by diabetes into your life is through knowledge of the disease itself. Knowing what diabetes is, what signs and symptoms to look for if you are suspicious of diabetes and in what ways to keep your child happy and healthy after the diagnosis is the first step. The more you learn the easier it will be to live with.

So what exactly is Diabetes? There are two types:
1. Type 1 Diabetes (also known as insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes.)
2. Type 2 Diabetes (non-insulin dependent)

TYPE 1 DIABETES
When thinking of children with diabetes we often think solely of Type 1 or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

In Type 1 Diabetes the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. Insulin allows glucose (sugar) to enter your body's cells where it is then used for energy. Without insulin glucose or sugar levels rise and can eventually cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Ultimately if left uncontrolled, the risk of damaging the eyes, heart, kidneys and blood vessels is increased.

Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes; over 13,000 of which are children. That's 35 children each and every day, approximately 1.5 children per hour.

5% to 10% of Diabetics have type 1 Diabetes.

There are more incidences of Type 1 diabetes in Caucasians than any other racial group.