What Are the Signs of Juvenile Diabetes?
Healthful Vitality | 11/05/2021 | Signs of Juvenile Diabetes
People have known since ancient times that there are two types of diabetes. One that begins at a young age and does not have much relation to body weight. Another, diabetes in older and obese adults. Now the diabetes of young is called Type 1 diabetes, and diabetes of obese and older adults is called type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two very different kinds of diseases. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. A condition when the body’s immune system starts attacking beta-cells in the pancreas. It often begins at a young age. Besides, it is most commonly diagnosed between the age of 4 to 14 years.
It seems that the rate of type 1 diabetes starts falling sharply after the age of 14. Thus, in children and young adults, more than 85% are living with type 1 diabetes.
Why juvenile diabetes occurs?
It is still a mystery. Although genetics play a role, it appears that there is an important role of environmental factors. Researchers believe that certain environmental toxins and viral infections may also increase its risk.
Signs of juvenile diabetes
Unlike diabetes of adults, that is, type 2 diabetes, the onset of type 1 diabetes is quite abrupt. It may often start with severe symptoms. In many cases, caretakers or doctors may struggle to identify it early enough.
Some of the common symptoms of juvenile diabetes are:
- Increased urge to drink
- Frequent urination and even bed-wetting
- Extreme hunger in a child
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- High irritability
- The fruity smell in a breath
It is not rare for juvenile diabetes to be diagnosed when a child has developed signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Thus, such a child may have severe dehydration, nausea, vomiting, rapid and superficial respiration (Kussmaul’s respirations). In many children, stomach pain is so severe that doctors may confuse it with acute abdomen or some surgical issue. The fruity smell may help in the differential diagnosis in many cases.
Juvenile diabetes complications
Apart from acute complications like DKA, poorly managed type 1 diabetes considerably increases the risk of various chronic ailments. Thus, a child with poorly treated type 1 diabetes is at greater risk of developing hypertension, heart diseases, and even stroke later in life. In addition, nerve damage may be quite a big issue for a child.
Those with juvenile diabetes are at higher risk of developing kidney disease at a young age. In addition, worsening of eyesight is a big problem related to diabetes. It may also cause the weakening of bones.
Is there a way of preventing juvenile diabetes?
Doctors can assess the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Such a risk is higher in those with a family history of type 1 diabetes. Additionally, some tests can show antibodies that are associated with greater risk. However, at present, there is no effective way of preventing the condition. Nevertheless, lifestyle interventions, dietary changes may help minimize the risk.