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Diabetes and Kids |
Death & illness
by Diabetes Research Institute >> more about the author
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes means too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. Sugar comes from the foods we eat, like bread, cereals, pasta, rice, fruit, starchy vegetables and dairy items. Sugar is used by the body for energy— to run, skip, play and swim. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas and works like a key to a door – insulin opens the door of the cells of our body allowing the sugar to go from the bloodstream into the cells where it is then used for energy. If there is not enough insulin or if the insulin can’t open the door to the cell, the sugar levels rise in the blood and diabetes occurs. And guess what? Even animals can get diabetes!
Type 1 Diabetes
Children diagnosed with diabetes usually have Type 1 diabetes. You do not get diabetes from eating too much sugar and you do not ‘catch’ it from sitting next to someone with diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes is believed to be:
Genetics– The genes that come from mom and dad
Self-allergy-When the body attacks a part of itself
The environment in which we live– Coming into contact with a virus or chemical
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults, however recently, more children are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin but the insulin doesn’t work very well – like having the wrong key for the door. While our genes and our culture can play an important role, it is also linked with being overweight and not getting enough exercise.
Symptoms
In both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the end result is too much sugar in the blood, with little or none getting into the body’s cells. As a result of the high blood sugar, the child might feel thirsty, tired, hungry, pass urine frequently and have blurry vision.
Treatment
The good news about diabetes is that it can be treated. Appropriate treatment is important in order to avoid problems to the eyes, brain, heart, kidneys, feet and nerves. Having a healthy eating plan and doing regular exercise are keys to staying well with diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, insulin injections are needed to control the blood sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes, it may be tablets and / or insulin injections that may be required. In both types of diabetes, daily blood sugar checks using a meter helps children to know whether the treatment plan is working or needs adjusting. Diabetes requires a team approach to keep healthy – the child and his / her family working together with their doctor, diabetes educator and dietitian. Education is vital. Diabetes needs close attention but it is manageable.
For parents of children with diabetes: join the "PEP Squad" -- Parents Empowering Parents. Parents help each other, share information and can connect with others who are dealing with the same situation looking for support.
For Kids: "How can I help?" We hear that question all the time. We have the answer. Become a Diabetes Diplomat. Be the Hero! Diabetes Diplomats are all ages, from all over the world. How can you become one? By raising money to help the Diabetes Research Institute cure diabetes. Learn more!
For teachers and child care providers: See this great resource for all those who may come in contact with a child who has diabetes. “A Guide for School Personnel & Child Care Providers"
