What Is Juvenile Diabetes?

Juvenile Diabetes 101

Juvenile diabetes is a form of Diabetes Millitus where the body stops producing insulin all together or stops producing the amount that is needed for proper sugar processing. Juvenile diabetes draws its name from the fact that it most often occurs in children or people under thirty years of age.

However, in recent years, the average age of diagnosis has begun to rise. Recent studies show that more and more people over the age of thirty five are being diagnosed each year with Juvenile Diabetes. The American Diabetes has reclassified the disease as Type Two Diabetes, rather than Juvenile Diabetes because of this increase in older adults.

What Causes Juvenile Diabetes

The exact cause of Juvenile Diabetes is unknown. However, there are many things that can place you at a higher risk of developing the disease. If a member of your family has previously been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, you will have a higher risk. Scientists do not believe it is passed from generation to generation.

However, there is something in the DNA makeup of some families that increases the rate of development. If the person in your family that was previously diagnosed with juvenile diabetes was your parent or sibling, your risk factor will be very high.

You can also have certain health factors that put you at risk for juvenile diabetes. If you are overweight, do not exercise, or you have had a medical condition that has damaged your pancreas, you can have a high risk of developing juvenile diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes

If you are afraid you may have juvenile diabetes, there are certain signs and symptoms you can watch for. Unfortunately, some of the signs are common with other diseases and conditions, so only your doctor will be able to give you a correct diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the following things you should seek a medical diagnosis quickly:

If you have an unquenchable thirst you may be experiencing a sign of juvenile diabetes. You body will require additional water to dilute the sugar you eat if it is not properly used.

Frequent urination can be a sign of juvenile diabetes. If you body is not properly processing sugar it will build up in your kidneys. You kidneys will then use the excess water you drink to dilute and expel the extra sugar.

Being weak or tired is another symptom of juvenile diabetes. After your body has gone for awhile without glucose, which is processed sugar, it will become weak. Glucose is the main source of energy for your body.

Treatment Options

Juvenile diabetes can be managed or treated by taking synthesized insulin in shots or in pill form. You will need to take your blood sugar readings with a glucose meter and administer your insulin according to your level. However, many people have found that with a diet low in carbohydrates and simple sugars, they can cut down the amount of insulin needed or eliminate it all together.

Exercise can also help lower your blood sugar levels. Since sugar is the main form of energy, you can often burn a lot up with a good workout program. Some people are able to eliminate the use of medication and have normal blood sugar levels by losing weight. If you are 20-50 pounds or more over weight this can be your first line of defense.

Juvenile Diabetes Is Not a Death Sentence

Millions of people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes every year. It is not a death sentence and it does not mean you can not go on living a normal life.

With proper management, a healthy diet, and exercise, you can often live the same way you always have and you might even be healthier. While there is no cure, many people are able to eliminate the use of medication and continuous monitoring if they can get their blood sugar back on track.