Possible causes of juvenile diabetes

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When it comes to type-1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes, it develops once the body could not generate enough insulin. Some individuals are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. As the name implies, this type of diabetes is diagnosed early in life usually anytime from infancy up to adolescence. Remember that this is a chronic, life-long condition that requires continuous treatment using medications.

Once a child is suspected with juvenile diabetes, it is vital to schedule an appointment with a doctor so that proper assessment and testing can be carried out so that a diagnosis can be given. If there is a family history of the disease, there might be a possibility that the child will develop the condition.

Insulin

Juvenile daibetes
As the name implies, this type of diabetes is diagnosed early in life usually anytime from infancy up to adolescence.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. Once the individual is diagnosed with diabetes, the pancreas could not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone required to process glucose in the cells which came from starches and other foods. When it comes to type-1 diabetes, it is a severe condition that requires regular monitoring of the glucose levels. If left untreated or not properly managed, it can result to heart disease, nerve damage, blindness and even kidney failure.

Immune system

It is important to note that type-1 diabetes involves an attack of the body on its own cells since they believe that foreign invading cells should be eliminated. Understandably, the foreign invading cells are actually the excess glucose stores in the blood due to the inability of the body to produce insulin. This starts a chain reaction in which the cells self-destruct and puts the body at risk to the disease.

Family history

Always bear in mind that there is proof that family history and genetic markers for type-1 diabetes link the condition with predisposition. The genetic predisposition is only part of the issue though. In some cases, the environment can also trigger type-1 diabetes such as cold weather, viruses and poor diet. All of these can contribute to the onset of the disease.

In areas with cold weather climate, children are more prone to contract a virus which in those with a family history of type-1 diabetes can be a trigger. Poor diet with lack of nutritious, immune-boosting foods along with lack of acquired immunity from breastfeeding can put the immune system of the child compromised and more likely to develop symptoms of diabetes.

Management

  • Insulin shots
  • Monitoring of carbohydrates and regular monitoring of the blood sugar level
  • Healthy diet
  • A regular exercise routine and a healthy weight

The objective is to keep the blood sugar level close to normal as possible to delay or prevent any complications. Even though there are exceptions, the goal is to keep the blood sugar levels before meals between 70-130 mg/dL and the after meal reading not higher than 180 mg/dL at 2 hours after eating.

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