Young Diabetes

Claire
is diabetic. Checking her blood sugar means pricking her finger… drawing
blood…as many as ten times a day.

Because Claire is only 3 years old…

“She cannot tell us when she’s having a low blood
sugar, or if her blood sugar is high,” says her mother, Holly
Hailey.

So, if Claire is moody, or crying, is it because she has low
blood sugar.. or is it something else?

Mom has to prick her finger to find out.

According to recent estimates, more than 150,000 people under the age of
20 have diabetes, which translates to approximately 19 percent of all people
in this age group. In addition, approximately one in 500 children suffers from
type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), which occurs when a person’s immune
system destroys the cells of the pancreas that normally secrete insulin – a
hormone essential for digesting sugar.

The American Diabetes Association says that type 1 diabetes is usually
diagnosed in children and young adults. Because a type 1 diabetic’s
body cannot produce insulin to digest sugar, the sugar builds up in
the blood instead of going into cells. This starves the diabetic’s
cells of much-needed energy, and over time it can result in tissue
damage. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF),
the risk of developing type 1 diabetes is influenced by autoimmune,
genetic and environmental factors.

Many people with diabetes are unaware that they have it, so knowing
the symptoms is important to diagnosing the condition early. The Mayo Clinic
recommends watching for the following signs:

• Flu-like symptoms – Diabetes can sometimes feel like a viral
  illness, with fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. Sugar is your
  body’s main fuel, and when it does not reach your cells, you may
  feel tired and weak.
• Weight gain or loss – Because your body is trying to compensate
  for lost fluids and sugar, you may eat more than usual and gain weight.
  The opposite can also occur. You may eat more than normal but still
  lose weight because your muscle tissues do not get enough glucose
  to generate growth and energy.
• Blurred vision – High levels of blood sugar pull fluid out
  of the tissues in your body, including the lens tissues of your eyes.
  This affects your ability to focus. Once the diabetes is treated
  and your blood sugar levels drop, vision improves.
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections – Diabetes affects
  your body’s ability to heal and fight infection. Bladder and vaginal
  infections can be a particular problem for women.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Excess sugar in your blood can
  damage the blood vessels to your nerves, leading to a number of symptoms.
  The most common are tingling and loss of sensation in your hands
  and feet. You may also experience burning pain in your legs, feet,
  arms and hands.
• Red, swollen, tender gums – Diabetes increases the risk
  of infection in your gums and in the bones that hold your teeth in
  place. Your gums may pull away from your teeth. Your teeth may become
  loose or you may develop sores or pockets of pus in your gums.

If you suspect diabetes, it is important to see a physician who can
diagnose the disease. If you are diagnosed, or have been diagnosed
in the past, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help
control your glucose levels. By controlling the disease, you will feel
better and healthier, and you can prevent further diabetes complications.
New Mexico State University recommends the following for controlling
diabetes:

• A healthy diet – Choosing a balanced diet low in fat and
  high in fiber helps control blood glucose and provides the nutrients
  your body needs to stay healthy. Diabetics must pay special attention
  to the amount of fats and carbohydrates (sugars), the body’s
  two primary sources of energy. See your dietitian for a meal plan
  that fits your lifestyle and eating habits.
• Exercise – Daily physical activity helps control weight
  and blood glucose and reduces your risks for other chronic diseases
  like heart disease. And remember, physical activity adds up. Several
  short periods of physical activity throughout the day can be just
  as beneficial as one longer period of activity.
• Monitoring – Monitoring blood glucose is an essential tool
  for controlling diabetes. Just as a car’s speedometer shows
  how fast or slow you are traveling, a blood glucose monitor tells
  you how well you are controlling your blood sugar levels and your
  diabetes. Diabetics monitor their day-to-day blood glucose with a
  glucose meter. Monitoring helps you make decisions about food choices,
  exercise, medications and stress. Long-term blood glucose control
  is measured by a hemoglobin A1c test done by your doctor.
• Medications – Many people with diabetes need to take medications
  to control blood glucose. Medications should be taken daily as prescribed
  by your health care provider. Changes in diet, physical activity
  level or blood glucose control may require changes in your medications.
  Visit your doctor often, especially if you have any changes in your
  lifestyle or blood glucose levels.
• Skin/foot care – Diabetes
  causes changes in nerves and blood circulation, particularly in the
  lower legs. Amputations, a major diabetes complication, can be prevented.
  Daily foot care should include looking for sores or cuts, wearing
  comfortable shoes and socks, and taking care of your skin to prevent
  blisters, calluses, and cracks.

American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Mayo Clinic
New Mexico State University