Juvenile diabetes is also referred to as type 1 diabetes. It affects children, teenagers and young adults. But while there are some similarities, there are some interesting differences in juvenile diabetes and other forms of diabetes.
For starters, juvenile diabetes resembles type 2 in that the individual has increased hunger, as well as increased thirst. This symptom might be hard to notice since children can be quite active, which would warrant a greater level of thirst. Of course, drinking more would automatically warrant more frequent urination. This is why detection is sometimes very difficult to make.
Individuals who suffer from juvenile diabetes also have to contend with feeling tired. This might be a clear indication to a parent that something is wrong. As children are generally more active than adults, having a children that doesn't appear to have the energy to engage in activities should be a red flag.
Probably the most striking symptom involves their appetite. Children who are experiencing juvenile diabetes will have an increased appetite. Even though their food is being broken down, it is not able to makes it's way to the cells so that it can be used for energy. In essence, their body is attacking itself and preventing this from happening.
But even with the child eating more, they will continue to drop weight. But even though a child's body will need more to feeding their energy furnace, their food will still not be processed correctly, and the child will lose weight.
Unfortunately, those with juvenile diabetes will have to be placed on insulin. This is the only way to regulate their body. Eating right and exercising will only go so far and will not fill the void left by their starving cells.
Follow BattleDiabetes.com on: