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Of all the diseases affecting young people, childhood diabetes is one of the most common. This is a serious condition that affects children all over the world, but great advances in medical treatments allow young diabetics lead more normal, comfortable lives. It's estimated that 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. On average, 13,000 of these new cases are children. That's about 36 children diagnosed every day. Understanding Type I Childhood Diabetes Most diabetic children have Type I diabetes. Also known as "juvenile" or "childhood diabetes", this is a condition present at birth, in which the body does not produce insulin. Many people born with childhood diabetes are not diagnosed until their pre-or-early teens. Those born with the condition, including children, need to learn the proper treatment methods. Warning Signs Without warning, a diabetic attack can happen. Attacks come on suddenly, sometimes before the child has even been diagnosed. As you can imagine, this can be a terrifying episode for parents. That's why every parent must recognize the warning signs. These attacks can have long-lasting consequences without treatment, and may be even be fatal. Signs and symptoms of juvenile diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite or weight loss, sleepiness, labored breathing, sudden changes in vision and a sweet, fruity smell to the breath. Knowing the warning signs is the first step to saving a life. Childhood diabetes may be mistaken for other illnesses. If you feel that your child has one or more of these symptoms, you must get immediate care. Insist that your doctor test your child for diabetes. The failure to diagnose childhood diabetes can result in terrible consequences. Of course, unless the condition runs in your family, you may not automatically identify the importance of knowing all the symptoms. Thirst, frequent urination,, and blood glucose levels are the three main symptoms of childhood diabetes to keep in mind at all times. If your child seems unusually thirsty, makes frequent trips to the bathroom, or shows both of these signs, then his or her blood sugar may be high. A child that appears to be overly sleepy or lethargic, feels "clammy" or just doesn't seem right may benefit from a visit to the doctor for a simple blood or urine test. Your family doctor or pediatrician may wish to evaluate your child for other conditions as well, but it's important to rule out the possibility of childhood diabetes. If the condition goes undiagnosed and an attack occurs, you and your child will be forced into an emergency situation. Health Risks of Childhood Diabetes A long list of potential health problems is brought to light when a child is diagnosed with diabetes. Low blood sugar levels may cause your child to suffer with vision problems, kidney and liver complications and the risk of heart attack and stroke. Persistent high blood sugar levels, on the other hand, may increase the possibility of infection (from tooth abscess to yeast infections), wounds that won't heal, gangrene from infected wounds and a host of other ailments. Some children may suffer from nerve damage to the extremities, particularly the feet. This results in intense pain and irreversible damage. As you can see, childhood diabetes presents some very grown-up concerns. Ask your doctor to perform a blood screening. If your child is diagnosed, follow the treatment instructions carefully to help ensure the happy and healthy life that he or she deserves.
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About the Article Author
Contributor Sterling Ostin contributes articles to a variety of popular web magazines, on health discovery and healthy body subjects.
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