In a world where nearly 70,000 children are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes each year, making it one of the most chronic diseases during childhood, World Diabetes Day celebrated on November 14^th 2008 by the International Diabetes Federation and the WHO, rightly focuses on ‘Caring for children and adolescents with diabetes’ as the central theme of initiatives this year.

Despite the ‘tall’ statistics of children and adolescents falling prey to the condition, Child diabetes, also called as Juvenile diabetes is either diagnosed late, diagnosed wrong or completely escapes diagnosis. Understandably, almost 50% of diabetics are unaware of their condition.

Juvenile Diabetes – Understanding the Condition

Juvenile Diabetes or Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects the functioning of beta cells. When this occurs, the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin demanded by the body. A shortage of insulin leads to inadequate breakdown of sugars. This, in turn results in an accumulation of sugar in the blood stream leading to diabetes.

Improper diet, inadequate exercise, genetic factors and environment play a significant role in triggering the condition. The symptoms appear without an announcement and can often go unnoticed.

Type 2 Diabetes, a disease mostly affecting adults above 45 years, currently accounts for up to 50% of all new cases of diabetes in children. This is attributed to improper diet, and lack of exercise in present day kids causing them to be overweight or obese and increasing their risk of lifestyle diseases. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body is either unable to generate adequate insulin or is not equipped to use the insulin effectively.

Watch out for the following symptoms:-

• Increased urination

• Increased thirst

• Increased hunger

• Fever or other minor infections

• Bedwetting

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

There are a number of tests which will be advised by the medical specialist to assist in the diagnosis.

1. Urine test to detect glucose

2. Blood test to ascertain the amount of glucose present in the blood

3. Glucose-tolerance test

4. Fasting blood sugar

Understand the Challenges Ahead

For parents whose child is diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, the world may come crumbing down. Yet, it does not mean the end of the world. As parents, you can make all the difference in helping your child cope, fight and survive the disease.

Generally, the diabetes healthcare team for children and adolescents comprising diabetologists, nutritionists and activity specialists are equipped to assist patients and families make required changes to help cope with the condition.

The broader goals for parents of children and adolescents in managing their child’s condition hover around: 

         • Maintaining blood sugar level to normal 

         • Enhance body’s sensitivity to insulin 

         • Protect against diabetes related complications

Caring for the Type 1 Diabetes Child

• Parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes must comprehend insulin dosing. As the child’s body cannot produce insulin, it must be provided to the body throughout the day. This is possible through insulin injections or also by using insulin pumps. Diabetologists may prescribe doses of rapid acting insulin and long acting insulin. The doses of insulin need to be administered at regular times on a daily basis.