By Janet Smith

Over my many years of having diabetes, I've talked with many other diabetics. The phrases I hear most often are, "I need to start checking my sugar." "I've been trying, but I just can't lose any weight." "It doesn't matter what I do my A1C's are still above 7." Somehow it seems diabetics don't truly understand the disease. Nor just how important and relatively easy it is to get control of diabetes.

All too often people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes somehow decide it is too hard to get control of their blood sugar. They take their medication, and think, "I'll do better today." They may even go a few days really trying to watch what they're eating and even exercise...then gradually they're back to their old lifestyle. "I'll do better tomorrow." Only tomorrow becomes today and time passes. All the while their body's health is gradually decreasing.

Avoid Complications

If you have diabetes and can relate to the description above, I beg you to STOP RIGHT NOW and begin to make changes. Unless you can begin to change your attitude you will end up with complications of diabetes. Left uncontrolled diabetes can be destructive and deadly. That's right. DEADLY!

Higher than normal range blood sugar can result in heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, blindness, amputations, kidney failure and more.

Make the attitude adjustment today to take control. Consider the fact that without good health, all the other events of your life become difficult. Your body is the only one you'll ever have. You don't get a second chance to look after it. The good news is that by changing your attitude you can take the steps necessary to get good diabetes control. While doing so may be difficult at first, consider your other options...blindness, kidney failure, heart attack. Don't think these diabetes complications won't happen to you. They happen to people who don't control their diabetes on a daily basis.

Change Your Attitude and Your Life

Once you make the attitude adjustment and decide to put controlling your diabetes and your health at the top of your to-do list, follow the five steps below to take better control.

1. Take stock of what you are currently doing and not doing. Are you eating a healthy diet? Are you regularly checking your blood sugars? Do you exercise daily? Answer honestly.

2. Start today to check your blood sugar at least two or three times daily. Not knowing what your blood sugar levels is like driving at night without your lights on...you don't know what's coming up next.

3. Change your eating habits to a healthy diet. Try to eliminate most processed foods, simple carbohydrates and high fat foods. If you're not sure about what to eat, do some research, or see a dietitian.

4. Get regular exercise. If exercise is not part of your regular routine, start slowly, but make sure to START. Even thirty minutes a day will make a big difference. Cardio and strength training are highly recommended.

5. Set mini goals for yourself and monitor your progress. Get help in the areas where your knowledge is weak.

Remember, change your attitude, to an "I can do it" attitude to beat diabetes and improve your health.. Gradually you will become adjusted the changes you make and will look forward to good health instead of terrible diabetes complications.

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 are 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.

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 ketenes 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 ketenes 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.

Children and Diabetes
Children, like adults, are often diagnosed with diabetes. Most children have type 1 or juvenile diabetes that will require insulin on a regular basis to sustain proper body functions. There are growing numbers of children that are now being diagnoses with type 2 diabetes that has historically only been found in adult populations.

Some facts about children and diabetes highlight the importance of understanding this disease and finding ways to manage and control it effectively:
* One in every 400-500 children in the world has diabetes.
* Approximately 150,000 children in the United States under the age of 18 have diabetes.
* Type 1 or juvenile diabetes occurs when the immune system begins to generate cells that destroy the pancreatic cells responsible for producing insulin in the body. If the child does not receive insulin every day the child will die.
* 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year. These children are at a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and immune complications throughout their lives.
* Type 2 or adult onset diagnosis is becoming more prevalent in children. This is a condition where the body is unable to utilize the insulin produced because it has built up a resistance to the insulin. Over time the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient quantities of insulin, and complications arise.
* Type 2 diabetes is more closely linked to obesity, especially if there is a history of diabetes in the family. It is also more prevalent in African American, Latino, Asian, and American Indian children.

Controlling diabetes in children
While not required to eliminate all their favorite foods, it is important to teach children concepts of portion control and healthy eating. Fast foods are not a good substitute for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.

Try to schedule so that your child has time to sit down to a balanced meal as often as possible, ideally three times per day. Try to include whole grains, fiber, lean meats, fish, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables. To get children to eat healthy try the following:
* Trail mix including a variety of nuts, dried soy nuts, dried fruits instead of potato chips.
* Granola bars instead of cookies or donuts.
* Whole grain bread instead of white bread.
* Carrot and celery sticks instead of French fries
* Bake foods instead of deep frying
* Salads with meals or as an appetizer before meals
* Raw vegetables or fruits dipped in yogurt

Remember that modeling healthy lifestyles will help your children learn. Exercise together as a family. Small changes in lifestyles can lead to big changes in health conditions over time. Start small and work together as a family to reach your diet and exercise goals.