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You have a young son or daughter who has lost a lot of weight lately. In spite of that the child has an increased hunger. Could there be something seriously wrong physically with your child? There might be.
Doctors say whenever a young child loses weight for no apparent reason that child should have a medical examination. Rapid weight loss is one of the first symptoms of diabetes, especially if the child also has increased hunger, especially after eating. Other symptoms include: frequent urination; dry mouth; fatigue; blurred vision and numbness or tingling of the hands or feet.
Diabetes is a disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas, an organ behind your stomach, produces little insulin or no insulin at all or when the pancreas makes insulin but the insulin does not work as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glocose or sugar for energy.
Our bodies are all made of millions of cells. To make energy, the cells need food in a simple form. When we eat or drink our food is broken down into glucose, which provides the energy our body needs for daily activities. Our blood transports glucose from the stomach, where it is taken in, or the liver, where it is made, to cells where it is used (muscles) or stored (fat).
Those with Juvenile Diabetes usually have Type 1 diabetes. People with that type of diabetes have bodies that usually produce little or no insulin. They must use insulin injections to control their glucose. With the injections, a proper diet and exercise, a Type 1 diabetic can live a normal life. Type 1 diabetes is most common in those younger than 20, although a person could develop it at any age.
A person with Type 2 Diabetes has a body that does produce insulin, but not enough or the insulin doesn't work properly. Some affected people may control the disease with exercise and diet, but others may need medication or injections. The disease is most common in overweight people older than 40.
Gestational diabetes is a high blood glucose level discovered during pregnancy. Usually glucose levels return to normal after childbirth, however, an affected person may be more likely to have Type 2 diabetes in later life.
It is important to treat the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, an affected person could develop long term problems of: eye problems; dental problems; high blood pressure; heart disease; a stroke; nerve damage and kidney damage.
Diabetes can be controlled by following a meal plan, having an exercise routine, taking medication as directed, keeping your glucose level at an acceptable range; keeping your blood pressure no higher than 130/85 and meeting often with your doctor, dietitian and diabetes educator.
The cause of diabetes is unknown. There are certain high-risk factors, however: a family history of the disease; being overweight; hypertension or high blood pressure and a high cholesterol level.
Diabetes can be controlled, but it is hard for a person of any age to deal with. It can be especially hard for a child.
The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in 1998 announced a public service campain concerning the disease. Actress Mary Tyler Moore, who has had the disease herself for 30 years, filmed spots for the campaign.
"We hope that this campaign will create greater awareness of the seriousness of diabetes," Ms. Moore stated. "Insulin is not a cure, but the research funding efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes foundation are making tremendous progress along the path twoard that goal--translating research into longer healthier lives."
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