The Latest From Juvenile Diabetes Research

Health shows are abuzz with alarm over how juvenile diabetes research finds that children who have high blood pressure, a cholesterol problem and weight issues, are very likely to develop Type II diabetes as soon as they enter adulthood. If you are a parent, this should alarm you too. Scientists have been trying to work out all the consequences that are to be expected from the child obesity epidemic we are going through right now. Doctors classify a child is having a metabolic syndrome when they see a bunch of really unhealthy trends in certain high risk areas. If there is high blood pressure, not enough good cholesterol, fat around the tummy, triglycerides that are running amok and high blood glucose, it tells them that a child is on his way to juvenile diabetes. About 20 years ago, it was unheard of for a child to come down with diabetes. Now, it isn't uncommon.

Even with all this juvenile diabetes research though, it's kind of hard for doctors to accurately identify kids with a metabolic syndrome. Other doctors feel that it doesn't really make sense to diagnose a child in this way, because there's no telling how many kids diagnosed thus might go on to develop full-blown diabetes.

New juvenile diabetes research published in the Archive of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine seems to be right on cue to change all that. In new reports published in that journal, they've used surveys tracking thousands of children with metabolic syndrome and found that there certainly is a way to predict the onset of full-blown diabetes if a child has the metabolic syndrome while still very young. 20% is the figure they've arrived at. Having a parent with type II diabetes sends up a child's risk of developing it himself too.

So what does this mean - should parents be taking their children in to have their hemograms done when they are still five? Perhaps not. But you could keep an eye on a few things. According to the latest juvenile diabetes research, they recommend that you keep an eye on your child's blood pressure. You should be sure that your pediatrician takes your child's blood pressure each time you make a visit with your child. If that doesn't seem normal to you, you can just take a casual reading when you happen to stop by at the pharmacy.

It's absolutely vital that you know your child's body mass index. Calculating the BMI of your child is easy. You just use the CDC's childhood and Teen BMI calculator. If your child is healthy, the BMI rated should fall somewhere between the 5th and 85th percentile. Of course, if one of your child's parents has type II diabetes, that raises your child's risk of coming into that himself. If you find yourself in doubt or any of these issues, it's time for you to stop by at your pediatrician's.

Facts About Juvenile Diabetes

Every year over 1.5 million people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the United States and an alarming count of approximately 40 children per day are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as well. Many people are not familiar with the general facts about Type 1 diabetes and how common it is to develop among children. It is always good to be informed about one of the most important and dangerous health conditions prevalent among juveniles today, especially if you are a parent.

Here is a basic fact sheet to help you know the basics about juvenile diabetes.

1. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas which does not allow your body to function properly.

2. The exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes is currently unknown. Scientists do believe that being exposed to viruses as well as natural genetics plays a big factor.

3. It affects children, adolescents and young adults. The symptoms can develop very suddenly and causes a dependence on injections or pumped insulin in order for survival. The disease also can cause a nonstop, life threatening situations and complications throughout a patient's lifetime.

4. Type 1 Diabetes will always need constant attention. You must take multiple insulin injections daily that are prescribed by your physician. You will monitor and test your blood sugar daily by pricking your finger which can be performed at home on your own. It is very important to balance your diet and insulin. Insulin injections do not cure diabetes, but provides necessary balance to the body system in order to prevent serious complications.

5. Warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes that occur suddenly include the following:

- Extreme Thirst

- Frequent Urination

- Drowsiness or Lethargy

- Increased Appetite

- Sudden Weight Loss

- Sudden Vision Changes

- Sugar in the Urine

- Fruity odor on the breath

- Heavy or labored breathing

- Unconsciousness or disorientation

Keep in mind these important facts about diabetes, especially if you have children. Be aware of any changes in their health according to the above warning signs. If you do notice any changes, be sure to consult with a pediatrician immediately.

How to Diagnose and Prevent Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes, more commonly referred to as Type 1 diabetes is a syndrom where a disordered metabolism cause inappropriately high glucose levels in the blood due to a deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreas.

With Type 1 diabetes the patient is dependent on insulin but there are various ways to control your diabetes including diet, insulin, Self-monitoring of blood glucose and exercise. Basically what happens when you consume food, a portion is broken down into sugar (Glucose) and is passed through the blood via a hormone called Glucose. Glucose is normally produced by the Pancreas but in patients with diabetes, the Pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Juvenile diabetes is important to diagnose early because some of the complications that accompany are problems with vision that can lead to diabetic retinopathy and possible blindness. Trouble with blood vessels also accompanies diabetes. These complications can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery obstruction. Other complications include, kidney failure and nerve problems that could lead to foot ulcers, impotence and digestive problems.

The cause of Juvenile diabetes is still unknown but it is thought to stem from an aggressive autoimmune response to altered pancreatic antigens not childhood obesity or excessive eating like previously thought. It is vital to diagnose type 1 diabetes to deter further complications.

Some typical symptoms include:
Frequent urination, increased thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, extreme weakness and fatigue,urinating at night, blurred vision, numbness in hands or feet, drowsiness, fruity odor on breath.

Check with your family doctor for an early detection of juvenile diabetes.