According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRFI), “every year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.” There is no known cure for this stealthy disease that attacks and destroys the beta cells that produce insulin. Symptoms present themselves suddenly and progress rapidly. Knowing what symptoms to look for, if you suspect juvenile diabetes has gripped your child, will lead you to seek the medical counsel of a physician.
Know the Symptoms:
If your child has been potty trained and begins wetting themselves frequently, consider juvenile diabetes as a possibility.
Extreme thirst and a keen desire for cold drinks that is sweet.
Eyesight problems such as blurred vision.
Irritable.
Child complains of nausea and is vomiting. (Acute symptoms that need immediate attention) Losing weight while continuing to display a healthy appetite.
Listless, tired, abnormally quiet.
Falling into a coma. (A life threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention)
It’s not always apparent that a child has type 1 or juvenile diabetes. Some of the symptoms seem like average childhood problems that occur. Untreated diabetic children may display restless behavior and an apathetic attitude when it comes to school. The inability to focus on tasks at hand leaves them somewhat dysfunctional and frustrated. Rapid, deep breaths that have a fruity odor are another more subtle sign that could easily be overlooked. The behaviors may go unnoticed by parents as symptoms of juvenile diabetes until the child reaches diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is a serious condition with the body receiving little or no insulin and resulting in energy being produced by the breakdown of fat. This process causes ketones or acids to spill into the blood stream as toxins. One quarter of the children with juvenile diabetes has all ready advanced to the level of diabetic ketoacidosis before seeing a physician or being diagnosed. If the juvenile diabetes continues to go untreated, the child may lapse into a diabetic coma.
A diagnosis is made through blood tests that target glucose levels and urine tests that measure the level of ketones and glucose. The tests are far simpler to read than reading the behaviors of your child and being able to pinpoint them as potential symptoms of juvenile diabetes. With knowledge comes power and by knowing the symptoms parents have the power to begin successful management of type 1 diabetes giving their child the opportunity for as normal a childhood as possible.
Traveling with Diabetes
When traveling with Diabetes Mellitus you must have an action plan, to help others in the plane, train, car, etc. to know what to do when a problem a rises. Having diabetes is a big responsibility. Making sure that you are safe as well as the individuals traveling with you. It is best to carry a tight schedule of your medications as well as your testing. Keeping a watchful eye on the sugar levels is always a plus when traveling as well as at home.
People with diabetes often become depressed as well as tired of the relentless poking and testing they are subjected to each day. Though they long for it to end, often more then not the disease becomes worse as time passes by. This makes it hard on loved ones and others working closely with them. When traveling sugar levels can drop often rapidly; since people often eat only small meals while traveling this causes problems with diabetes. The fact that people aren't active and are under stress when they travel; could make a major turn and give elevated sugar levels instead of low ones these levels are just as important as the low readings.
Key Things to Carry With You:
Remember when you travel it is important to eat well. Keeping a calorie counter or book to follow for all those extra sweets we love so much. Remember traveling won't have to be a complete was out if you just follow the simple rules.
Keep the people around you informed of how you are feeling, let them know if you aren't quite your self and educate, educate, educate. The most important rule is to keep the loved ones informed of the latest in diabetes research. Educate your self on the new studies and research; all that's available around you. The more informed you are the more informed they will be and will be able to help you when you need it most.
Lots of people suffer from this disease everyday and still lead healthy, happy and full lives; and so can you.
Know the Symptoms:
If your child has been potty trained and begins wetting themselves frequently, consider juvenile diabetes as a possibility.
Extreme thirst and a keen desire for cold drinks that is sweet.
Eyesight problems such as blurred vision.
Irritable.
Child complains of nausea and is vomiting. (Acute symptoms that need immediate attention) Losing weight while continuing to display a healthy appetite.
Listless, tired, abnormally quiet.
Falling into a coma. (A life threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention)
It’s not always apparent that a child has type 1 or juvenile diabetes. Some of the symptoms seem like average childhood problems that occur. Untreated diabetic children may display restless behavior and an apathetic attitude when it comes to school. The inability to focus on tasks at hand leaves them somewhat dysfunctional and frustrated. Rapid, deep breaths that have a fruity odor are another more subtle sign that could easily be overlooked. The behaviors may go unnoticed by parents as symptoms of juvenile diabetes until the child reaches diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is a serious condition with the body receiving little or no insulin and resulting in energy being produced by the breakdown of fat. This process causes ketones or acids to spill into the blood stream as toxins. One quarter of the children with juvenile diabetes has all ready advanced to the level of diabetic ketoacidosis before seeing a physician or being diagnosed. If the juvenile diabetes continues to go untreated, the child may lapse into a diabetic coma.
A diagnosis is made through blood tests that target glucose levels and urine tests that measure the level of ketones and glucose. The tests are far simpler to read than reading the behaviors of your child and being able to pinpoint them as potential symptoms of juvenile diabetes. With knowledge comes power and by knowing the symptoms parents have the power to begin successful management of type 1 diabetes giving their child the opportunity for as normal a childhood as possible.
Traveling with Diabetes
When traveling with Diabetes Mellitus you must have an action plan, to help others in the plane, train, car, etc. to know what to do when a problem a rises. Having diabetes is a big responsibility. Making sure that you are safe as well as the individuals traveling with you. It is best to carry a tight schedule of your medications as well as your testing. Keeping a watchful eye on the sugar levels is always a plus when traveling as well as at home.
People with diabetes often become depressed as well as tired of the relentless poking and testing they are subjected to each day. Though they long for it to end, often more then not the disease becomes worse as time passes by. This makes it hard on loved ones and others working closely with them. When traveling sugar levels can drop often rapidly; since people often eat only small meals while traveling this causes problems with diabetes. The fact that people aren't active and are under stress when they travel; could make a major turn and give elevated sugar levels instead of low ones these levels are just as important as the low readings.
Key Things to Carry With You:
- Of course is the testing meter. Always carry this item where ever you go.
- Medication- it is always important to carry your medication with you. Even if you don't plan to be out long. Often time's unexpected thing can occur; always be prepared.
- This one is difficult to remember. A juice or so form of sugar, or carbohydrate. When really the onset of hypoglycemia is very quick. There's little time to react.
- When you travel it is important you carry a log book.
- Last but not least is a healthy snack. People with diabetes often need to eat, extra meals throughout the day. When we travel we don't always eat right. So a healthy snack will keep our sugar levels on track and not mess up our day.
Remember when you travel it is important to eat well. Keeping a calorie counter or book to follow for all those extra sweets we love so much. Remember traveling won't have to be a complete was out if you just follow the simple rules.
Keep the people around you informed of how you are feeling, let them know if you aren't quite your self and educate, educate, educate. The most important rule is to keep the loved ones informed of the latest in diabetes research. Educate your self on the new studies and research; all that's available around you. The more informed you are the more informed they will be and will be able to help you when you need it most.
Lots of people suffer from this disease everyday and still lead healthy, happy and full lives; and so can you.
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