Diagnosis: Juvenile Diabetes

Looking back, Sally realized there had been signs. Suddenly, the symptoms her five year old had been experiencing made sense. He’d been more tired than usual, and so thirsty. In addition, her son had lost weight, and was visiting the bathroom more often.

           According to the Center for Disease Control, over 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year. In addition, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among kids. While most parents have heard of this illness, not many understand it. It is common for moms and dads to feel overwhelmed and frightened when their child is newly diagnosed.

          A healthy person’s “fuel” is derived from the foods that they eat. Carbohydrates consumed are turned into glucose, which is then transferred to the blood where it is used by the cells for energy. In order for this to occur, however, the pancreas must create insulin.

          In type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system has attacked and destroyed the cells where insulin is produced, so that there is a deficit. Genetic factors can predispose a child to diabetes, and some scientists have theorized that the disease may occur after recovering from a specific virus. Children with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. There is no known cure, but by keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range, the disease can be controlled.

          Type 2 diabetes occurs in older children, and the illness is often linked to such factors as obesity, inactivity, and hereditary. Again, there is no cure. But with diligent care, the disease can be managed.

          Even though a child with diabetes becomes the “patient”, his or her entire family is affected. Diabetes becomes a “way of life”. New allowances and routines become the norm. Everyone learns to work together in order to ensure a smooth transition of care.

     If your child has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you might have many concerns and questions. Your child’s doctor will help you learn more about the disease, and will show you how to monitor blood sugar levels and administer insulin.

          Watch what your child eats, and encourage him or her to never skip or miss a meal. Stay away from refined sugars, and highly processed foods. Instead choose whole foods, and complex carbohydrates. Not only do they taste better, they’re more satisfying and prevent drastic blood sugar peaks and valleys.

          Encourage regular exercise and movement. Sports are a fantastic, fun way for a child to burn energy and stay healthy. And nothing builds memories like family play. Bike together, go ice skating, play badminton and hike. Options are limitless.

          Once the dust settles, you’ll find your family relaxing into a “new normal”. You’ll move beyond the illness. When childhood diabetes is well-managed, your young diabetic can have a life as full and blessed as any other child.