Diabetes

Childhood diabetes

02/25/2007 08:39PM

Question:

What are symptoms of childhood diabetes and can childhood diabetes be prevented?

Answer:

The symptoms of diabetes in children are the same as the symptoms in adults. The symptoms include excess thirst, frequent urination, excess hunger, weight loss, irritability, and blurry vision. These symptoms are caused by high blood glucose levels. The goal of diabetes treatment is to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes can not presently be prevented although there is intense interest and research in this area. This type of diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of the cells that produce insulin. Once the cells are destroyed, people with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance, and with other abnormalities in glucose regulation that cause high blood glucose levels. Approximately 80% of adults and children with Type 2 diabetes are obese. Obesity also causes insulin resistance. Therefore a person with Type 2 diabetes who is obese has two causes of insulin resistance. We know that regular exercise decreases insulin resistance. Therefore decreasing insulin resistance by keeping weight in a normal range and exercising regularly can slow down or stop the progression of Type 2 diabetes.

Related Resources:

American Diabetes Association

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Response by:

Nancy J. Morwessel, CNP, MSN, CDE
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Diabetes Center
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
University of Cincinnati