Each November, we recognize and celebrate the brave kids and teens who live with Type 1 diabetes. For these children, they often grow up learning how to manage their activity, diet, and medical regimens in school and at home to stay healthy. In honor of Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Month, the experts at Children’s Hospital New Orleans are sharing information on this disease that affects about one in 400 children and adolescents.
First of all, what is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and a condition in which the body can’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin normally. The body’s immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas that helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body where it can be used for energy. Without insulin, the blood sugar can’t enter the cells and builds up in the bloodstream. High blood sugar is damaging to the body and causes many of the symptoms and complications we see in diabetes. The causes of Type 1 diabetes in a child are unknown, but researchers think some people inherit a gene that can cause Type 1 diabetes if a trigger such as a viral infection occurs. The children who are more at risk usually has a family member with the condition, and it occurs more in white children ages 4 to 6 and teens who hit puberty at ages 14 to 16.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes in kids?
Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. In children, Type 1 diabetes symptoms may seem like flu symptoms. Symptoms can be different for each child. They can include high levels of glucose in the blood and urine when tested, abnormal thirst, fluid loss (dehydration), frequent urination, extreme hunger but weight loss, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and more. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
