Know the Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes, or Type 1 diabetes, usually begins during childhood or adolescence, but it is a disease that must be treated for a lifetime as there is no cure. Juvenile diabetes is a very severe form of insulin-dependent diabetes that should be recognized as early as possible.

It is caused by pancreas damage due to either an immune system defect or some other culprit that destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. Without these beta cells, the body is unable to produce insulin, and glucose builds in the blood. Insulin is usually taken to provide an artificial insulin source.

Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes

The symptoms are not always easy to recognize, especially in children. Because vomiting or nausea can occur sometimes, the symptoms are mistaken as those of a virus or flu. That´s why it´s good to be familiar with the symptoms and observe your child closely if you feel they are at risk.

Here are some common early warning signs:

Extreme Hunger and Thirst

The body´s insulin can drop to almost none with juvenile diabetes. As a result, extreme cravings for food or sweet, cold drinks might occur. A sudden, dramatic weight loss may also occur.

Fatigue and Weakness

The body can become weak and very tired when no insulin is being produced. This weakness or fatigue could be mistaken for a virus or flu. If combined with any of the other symptoms, these are definite warning signs.

Frequent Bed-Wetting and Urination

In young children, a sudden occurrence of bed-wetting can be a sign of juvenile diabetes. If your child has stopped wetting the bed, but then starts again later on, this could be a symptom. Also, frequent urination during both day and night is a symptom.

Vision is Blurred

If your child complains of blurred vision or changes in their eyesight, this could also be a symptom of juvenile diabetes. The vision can be impaired because tissue is being pulled from the eyes to compensate for loss of tissue in other areas of the body.

Symptoms for Girls

Girls may experience frequent vaginal yeast infections, or Candida infections. At the first sign of a yeast infection in a young girl, ask your doctor to test her for diabetes as a precaution.

A child with juvenile diabetes may also become irritable, restless, or have trouble concentrating at school.

Severe Symptoms

Unfortunately, many parents and children are unaware of juvenile diabetes until severe symptoms occur such as a diabetic coma. Around 25% of patients are already in diabetic ketoacidosis when they see the doctor for the first time with juvenile diabetes. In severe cases, a child will have a fruity odour on his/her breathe and may breathe deeply and rapidly. When the insulin level "bottoms out," the disease is very evident and must be treated immediately or death could occur.

Even if you don´t feel your child is at risk now, keep a close eye on their daily habits to ensure early detection if juvenile diabetes is present. Your child´s life is precious. Don´t take risks - know the symptoms of juvenile diabetes