Diabetes In Children

In spite of all the medical research, diabetes in children continues to rise. Some of the problem is easily explained, while much of the problem remains a mystery. Type 1 is by far the most common, and as many as 95% of juvenile diabetics with the disease are under age 16.

Let's explain a little bit about what juvenile diabetes is. First and foremost, it is an auto-immune disease. Simply put, the body's defense system is attacking the body's organs and tissues. It happens because the pancreas is not producing insulin.

Why diabetes in children happens in many cases is up for debate, but what is not debatable is the fact that in the last 3 decades, the number of children affected has increased 300%. And while, as we mentioned, type 1 is still far more common, for the first time in history type 2 diabetes is now occurring in juveniles.

The type 2 diabetes is explainable by the increase in childhood obesity, but no one has been able to come up with a valid explanation as to why type 1 is increasing dramatically. Some will suggest it is a mixture of genetics and environment, but they haven't been able to pin point what the factors are that trigger juvenile diabetes. This much is known, most of the children suffering from the disease don't have a family history to blame it on.

Symptoms of diabetes in children are much the same as for adults. The most common things to look out for include fatigue, weight loss, thirst and frequent urination. But other symptoms more unique to kids include headaches, stomach aches, and even behavioral problems.

So if your child has unexplained stomach pains that seem to last for a few weeks, diabetes should be checked for, especially if those stomach aches are coupled with the more common and well known symptoms.

In any case, if these symptoms are present a trip to the doctor is in order for a thorough examination. And don't be afraid to tell him all the symptoms and what you may suspect. It can help lead him in the right direction and a simple blood test can determine if diabetes is in fact the cause of those symptoms.