Children’s diabetes symptoms are not very apparent. Even normal children are always hungry or thirsty or both. Irritability - Who isn’t? Everyone is irritable nowadays. Fatigue – life is exhausting, and people are tired, even children have exhausting routines. So there are only few other symptoms left over to guide a parent.
Losing weight without trying to, a young teen would be delighted especially if she was a female. Gaining weight, without reason, would have the opposite effect.

Urination is another aspect, how does a parent know? Do they keep tabs? To know whether the child is urinating more often? All of the above are children’s diabetes symptoms. They are concealed behind the hum drum daily bustle of the children. Diabetes symptoms remain hidden.

The Glaring Symptoms: Other than the above symptoms of Polyuria, excessive urination, Polydipsia, excessive thirst and Polyphagia, excessive hunger, there are children’s diabetes symptoms which are more obvious. Bedwetting by children who are already trained.
Itching, especially in the extremities’.

These are the children’s diabetes symptoms that cannot be ignored.
Prediabetes: The predilection to diabetes, or when there is marginally high level of blood sugar in children, diabetes symptoms may not manifest so obviously. A regular health check up is recommended for the simple reason that in prediabetes insulin dependence can be totally eliminated with a healthy diet and exercise. Simply good habits in children, diabetes symptoms vanish!

Understanding Why: The pancreas is not doing its job. Its job is to secrete insulin and the insulin’s job is to transport the digested end product, glucose, to the cells. No insulin, so no transport and the simple sugar is simply stuck in the blood stream. The cell remains hungry. So the human remains hungry, even if he eats, The body tries to move the sugar out of the blood stream by urinating, and tries and tries and loses liquid: Hence the thirst. The body draws liquid out of the system to actively send the sugar out: hence the dehydration.
The Muscles Get No Sugar to Metabolize to Energy: hence the fatigue. The muscles continue to move without metabolizing sugar: hence tissue damage, consequently the weight loss. Like our tissues that need the sugar, other organisms also need the sugar and since it’s parked in the blood stream, they land there: hence the infections and itching. In warm areas the organisms happily multiply: so yeast and Candida. Injecting insulin into the bloodstream, children’s diabetes symptoms vanish. The above shows the logical connection to the children. Diabetes symptoms should be understood.
Children’s Diabetes Symptoms: This understanding is the tool that will help manage lives, be alert to the symptoms, monitor blood sugar and regulate dosage. Efficient management in the children, diabetes symptoms can be obliterated. With healthy eating & exercise, in children, diabetes symptoms can be vanquished completely, and children can lead a full life.

People who are suffering from comparatively higher levels of glucose than normal persons but are still not completely diabetic are diagnosed as prediabetics. Timely prediabetes treatment may help in reversing this medical condition and save the patient from type2 diabetes. This article highlights the prediabetes symptoms and provides guidelines as to who all should go for prediabetes test.

Obese and overweight people: An obese or overweight person should go in for prediabetes test as a precaution. Even if there are no other prediabetes symptoms, obese people should get a regular check up done. Obesity can trigger insulin resistance which in turn is the cause behind diabetes. Overweight people are mostly inactive and lazy. Lower level of physical activity can also lead to diabetes. Weight control can be an effective prediabetes treatment. It can contribute in an essential way to reverse prediabetes and avoid its conversion into type2 diabeetes.

Genetic factors: People who have a family history of diabetes are also at a great risk of getting diabetic. Such people are more prone to developing prediabetes symptoms. People whose genes have an inclination towards diabetes are more susceptible to other environmental factors that cause prediabetes. Such people should always be alert and go in for regular check ups. This would help to diagnose the disease at an early stage and increase the chances of its reversal. Prediabetes treatment becomes easy, if it is diagnosed in time. Prediabetes symptoms mentioned below are almost same as that of type2 diabetes. The only difference is that in prediabetes they occur less frequently

Excessive thirst and hunger: These are the main prediabetes symptoms. Obese people are at a risk of getting diabetic and in turn people who are diabetic tend to eat more. This is a vicious circle. It’s a trap that does not let the patient come out of this disease. Diet plan acts as an effective prediabetes treatment in such cases. It is very necessary to take help from a professional diet planner in addition to pharmacists. The diet plan should be such that it takes care of your hunger and at the same time keep the glucose levels in control. Excessive thirst is also a warning sign of prediabetes.

Other prediabetes symptoms: Some of the other symptoms of prediabetes are tingling sensation in fingers and feet. Frequent urination is also a warning sign to go in for prediabetes check up. Many people also suffer from frequent infections and blurred vision. Dark patches on the skin or itchy skin are also the signs of prediabetes. Excessive sugar levels in the blood make it difficult for the wounds to heal. Itchy ovaries in women and fungal infections of penis in men are also common symptoms of prediabetes. Immediate check up and prediabetes treatment should be started if any of these signs are observed. Prediabetes treatment, if started at an initial stage, can prevent the development of type2 diabetes. People with family history of diabetes or with any of the warning signs mentioned above are advised to go in for an immediate check.

Prediabetes Diagnosis: Prediabetes is a medical condition where the patient suffers from high sugar levels. However, the sugar level is still below the point where the patient can be diagnosed to have type2 diabetes. Such medical condition eventually leads to development of type2 diabetes. Timely prediabetes diagnosis and treatment is essential to protect the patient from type2 diabetes. One should go in for an immediate check up, the moment he/she observes any warning signs of this condition. Prediabtes diagnosis can be done with the help of certain tests. This article provides information about them as well on guidelines to reverse prediabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test: This test is performed for prediabetes diagnosis by taking the blood sample of the person after he has fasted for around 8 hours. Usually, patients go in for this test first thing in the morning before having their breakfast. The blood sample is tested for the glucose level and then the doctors interpret the results on that basis. The glucose level of 70mg/dl to 99mg/dl is considered normal. 100mg/dl to 126mg/dl indicates prediabetes. Glucose level above 126mg/dl is the case of diabetes. If the results come at the borderline, other tests can be done to be sure of the medical condition of the patient.

Oral glucose tolerance test: This test is also very effective when it comes to prediabetes diagnosis. In this a blood sample is taken after the patient fasts for around 8-10 hours. After that the patient has to drink a sugar solution. Another blood sample is taken after he/she has drunk that sugar solution. In this test if the sugar level is less than 140mg/dl, the person is said to be normal. Sugar level from 140mg/dl to 199mg/dl indicates prediabetes. Sugar level of 200mg/dl or more means the person is suffering from diabetes. If the patient turns out to be prediabetic, certain other tests are also recommended.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C test): Prediabetes diagnosis can also be done using A1C test. This test as a stand alone may not be that effective. But it complements other tests for prediabetes to come to a accurate conclusion. The results of this test are interpreted on the basis of amount of sugar attached to the hemoglobin of the person. Only a drop of blood is enough to conduct this test. A1C level of up to 6% indicates normalcy. A1C level between 6-6.5% indicates prediabetes. A person with A1C level above 6.5% is considered as diabetic. This test may not provide accurate results in case of pregnant women.

Avoid type2 diabetes: There is nothing to worry if the prediabetes diagnosis is not in the favor of the patient. This medical condition can be reversed and the patient can again achieve a normal level. Prediabetics should follow a disciplined routine as prescribed by their doctors, dieticians, and exercise instructors. They should have fresh food with low starch. The food should be high in fiber and carbohydrates but low in sugar content. Caffeine should be avoided. Drinking a lot of water can also help the patient. Proper exercise keeps a check on the weight and helps the prediabetic to recover.

Juvenile Diabetes: Juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disorder condition caused by a virus or an adverse environmental condition which leads to the malfunctioning of the beta cell in young people. It is a condition wherein the metabolism fails to break down and store glucose effectively. These beta cells are eventually destroyed leading to the non-production of insulin causing diabetes of type 1. It is a chronic disease that last lifelong unlike the type 2 diabetes that can be kept in control if one exercises and leads a healthy lifestyle within early stages of diagnosis.

Possible causes: Various exposures and possibilities can cause diabetes. Juveniles who are exposed to toxic insult leading to damage of liver cells like causing cell cycle arrest, proliferation, and differentiation or may be even cell death or children who have been exposed to chronic infection, leading to or enhancing a weak immunity systems run high risks of attaining juvenile diabetes. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis which is also autoimmune disorders.

Family history: Juveniles with diabetic siblings or parents are more prone to juvenile diabetes than those who don’t have a history of diabetes. Juveniles who have the tendency to over eat or have excess weight also run the risk of acquiring juvenile diabetes. However the main cause for juvenile diabetes is hereditary – plagued by a family history of diabetes. Juveniles born of such families are at more of risk than even obese children who don’t have family history. Diabetes is also considered a lifestyle disease caused from faulty lifestyle habits such as over eating, low level of exercise and work out leading to a rather sedentary lifestyle.

Eventualities: Within 5 to 10 years of diagnosis of this disease the beta cells in the pancreas are completely destroyed and absolutely no insulin can be produced. Since the pancreas fail to produce the optimum amount of insulin, which is required to convert the food in to energy in order for the body to function efficiently, to process the glucose in the body, the sugar levels rise in the blood and overflow in the urine eventually passing out of the body unused. This phenomenon causes the type1 diabetes. Juvenile diagnosed with juvenile diabetes have to depend on insulin. Some of them may even develop thyroid conditions. Leading to further complications and augmenting the diabetes. Juveniles diagnosed with this condition are prone to fatigue, confusion etc. hampering their overall development.

Facts and figures: About 10 to 15% people in the US suffer from diabetes. Juveniles with diabetes are diagnosed to the extent of 35 – 40 children per day. Increasingly faulty lifestyles and consumption of toxic or unnatural substances shows that this disease is increasing at an alarming rate across the world. This diabetes can occur at any age but usually commences in people younger than 30. However the incidence of this type of diabetes is more amongst youth below the age of 20 years. It accounts for about 3% of new diabetes cases every year.

Child Diabetes Type Facts: Until a few years back, type1 diabetes was the only child diabetes type. But now type2 diabetes has also become common in children. We should avoid diabetes from reaching the stage where the child dies. Diabetes symptoms should therefore be identified at an early stage. The child diabetes type can be broadly classified into 3 categories. These are type1 diabetes, type2 diabetes, and MODY. This article will make you aware about the main type of diabetes found in children.

Type1 diabetes: Type1 diabetes is a common child diabetes type caused due to defective immune system. The immune system in such cases do not support the beta cells produced by the pancreas and destroy them. These beta cells are responsible for producing insulin which is necessary to convert the glucose in the body into energy. This, in turn, leads to high glucose level in the blood and causes diabetes. If not treated in time, type1 diabetes can reach to a level that the child dies. Diabetes in children should be handled carefully to help the child live a problem-free life.

Type2 diabetes: Type2 diabetes is a child diabetes type which can be associated with obesity. Mostly all children suffering from type2 diabetes are obese and have a history of diabetes. Type2 diabetes is a medical condition where the pancreas produces insulin but the body is unable to use that insulin appropriately. The body of type2 diabetic children is insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children. If not handled carefully, it can be as fatal as to reach a stage where the child dies. Diabetes should therefore be taken care of in a timely manner. Symptoms of type2 diabetes may include sugar in urine and tingling in feet and fingers. It can also cause black patches on children’s skin.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY): This is a rare child diabetes type that has been discovered in children. This type of diabetes is caused by genetic malfunctioning that adversely affects the insulin producing cells. The symptoms of MODY can range from little increase in sugar level to such severe situations that the child dies. Diabetes is a disease that should be treated in time to avoid severe damages. Due to rare symptoms, this type of diabetes cannot be diagnosed easily and several times goes undetected. MODY can be diagnosed only through molecular diagnostic testing. This can only be done in research laboratories.

Conclusion: All required tests should be done to avoid a condition where the child dies. Diabetes treatment for this type ranges from simple diet corrections to oral medicines and insulin doses. Diabetes is a disease that can not be permanently cured but can be kept under control. Be it any child diabetes type, all have one thing in common. All types of diabetes in children require support from doctor’s team, parents, and school teachers. This is necessary to avoid the severe situation where the child dies. Diabetes can be fatal if not treated in time. But proper medication, diet regulation, and exercise can keep it under control and prevent severe damages.

Type 2 Diabetes and You:

Choosing a Full Life: Diabetes is a life altering disease but it does not preclude a full life. It just means things have to be done differently and some habits need to change, namely, food habits and sedentary life styles. Juvenile diabetes statistics has shown that moderate exercise is very effective in juvenile diabetes type 2. Exercise reduces the blood sugar levels and improves the body’s usage of insulin. In prediabetes, medication along with lifestyle changes can help prevent the progress of the disease to juvenile diabetes type 2.

Preventable: It is surprising that such a life altering disease, which can have so many complications, is so easily preventable with the following means:

However, a word of caution: when exercising there is the risk of sudden drop in blood sugar levels. Therefore when exercising, it is necessary to start any regimen of regular exercise with consultation with the doctor. Have an insulin pump or some other insulin delivery system ready. This drop may occur during sleep, with unwanted consequences, so some quick insulin delivery may be needed.

The Diabetic Food Pyramid: The ADA has given the diabetic food pyramid as a tool to assist those suffering from juvenile diabetes type 2. This food pyramid is different in that it is based on the carbohydrate and protein content and not the food type. The usage of this helps the persons suffering from juvenile diabetes type 2 to select foods so that the ingested food releases glucose into the blood stream very slowly. Of the 4 levels the lowest is the carbohydrates, with the 3 stacks above it being fruits and vegetables, milk and proteins and the tip being alcohol and sweets and foods to avoid/minimized.

The Juvenile Diabetes Statistics: The juvenile diabetes statistics have been studied by the CDC and with minor changes due to racial differences indicates a greater incidence of type 1 diabetes than juvenile diabetes type 2. These are the figures quoted:

| 5.3 per 100,000 for juvenile diabetes type 2 | 19 per 100,000 for juvenile diabetes type 1 |

The juvenile diabetes statistics are positive in so far as showing that the majority of the youth are not going to be afflicted by it in the near future.

Medications: Even those diagnosed can effectively manage the disease and avoid complications, with the 3 pronged attack of diet, moderate exercise and medications. The medications are of 3 types:

| Those that boost pancreatic activity | Those that block carbohydrate assimilation | Those that deliver/improve efficacy of insulin |

Juvenile diabetic statistics have shown that with the above stratagems diabetics have effectively managed their health and life challenge.