Juvenile Diabetes

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Diabetes is a common disease which affects many people today. Diabetes is an inability of the body to control the blood sugar level. This means that the blood glucose level is not being regulated leading to complications. Normally, this function is performed by the hormone insulin but in a diabetic person, there is not enough insulin being produced in the body, or the body is not effectively using the insulin produced.

There are basically two main types of diabetes, one of which is juvenile diabetes. Juvenile diabetes is also known as Type 1, and it is usually recognized in children which is why it is named as such. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas in the body is unable to produce enough insulin required to keep the blood glucose level in the normal range. The body itself attacks the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin, so the body looses its ability to produce enough insulin.

The causes of juvenile diabetes are not fully understood. It is widely believed that juvenile diabetes is a genetic disease. This means that the genetic makeup causes the body to act in such a way that the insulin producing cells are destroyed. It is also believed that a child with juvenile diabetes has been exposed to a virus or a toxin in the early years, and the immune system of such children was not able to fight off the virus in an effective manner. The virus then causes the body to attack the pancreatic cells, and insulin production is effected which leads to diabetes.

There are some common symptoms of juvenile diabetes. One of these is frequent urination. This is coupled with increased thirst, which can then also lead to frequent urination. People with juvenile diabetes can also suffer from increased hunger, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. However, in some cases weight loss is also experienced. Most people also feel numbness in their hands and feet, accompanied with fatigue and weakness.

Juvenile diabetes is diagnosed through different tests. A urine test is done which shows the acids which are used by the body in case of diabetes. A blood test can also detect any abnormal glucose levels in the blood. A glucose tolerance test is also done, in which the patient’s blood sugar levels are monitored after drinking a sugary drink. Another test is the fasting test in which the patient fasts overnight, and a blood test is done the next morning.
There is no permanent cure for juvenile diabetes, but it can be effectively controlled. It is important for patients to have a healthy diet, and to avoid sugary foods and drinks. They should also get regular exercise, and avoid stress. It is also important for such people to keep control of their blood pressure, as well as the cholesterol levels, as that can be quite dangerous. In many cases, the patient will have to take insulin shots in order to help control the blood glucose levels.