Type 1 Diabetes in Children: Symptoms, causes and treatment (1)

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Type 1 Diabetes in Children
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Type 1 Diabetes in Children

• The digestive system in the body breaks down the
  food into nutrients and glucose, which are
  absorbed in the blood. The insulin produced by
  the pancreas breaks down the carbohydrates into
  glucose molecules, which are then absorbed by the
  cells through the bloodstream to release energy.
  Sometimes, due to the malfunctioning of the
  pancreas, not enough insulin is produced to break
  down these molecules. This condition can lead to
  diabetes, which is also known as diabetes
  mellitus. Diabetes is a condition where the body
  is unable to metabolize the glucose completely,
  which can result in the increase of blood sugar
  levels. There are two types of diabetes type 1
  and type 2. In type 1, the body's tendency to
  produce insulin is completely destroyed, whereas
  in type 2, the pancreas fails to produce the
  required amount of insulin and the body tends to
  become resistant to insulin, in spite of the body
  producing it.

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Causes of type 1 diabetes in children

• Though the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not
  yet known, some doctors believe that it is caused
  due to a faulty gene. Though this condition can
  affect individuals of any age group, it is
  usually observed during childhood. This is the
  reason why it is also known as juvenile/childhood
  diabetes. Sometimes, it is also known as
  insulin-dependent diabetes, since the sufferer
  requires insulin shots to bring the glucose
  levels back to normal. In type 1 diabetes, the
  body's immune system tends to destroy the
  insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of
  Langerhans in the pancreas. With the destruction
  of these essential cells, the body is unable to
  produce insulin, due to which metabolism of
  glucose fails. Instead of being processed in the
  cells, the glucose levels begin to build up in
  the bloodstream, which can prove to be
  life-threatening, if not treated in time. Family
  history is also another causative factor for this
  health condition. 

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Causes of type 1 diabetes in children
Continue

• Type 1 diabetes can lead to several
  complications, such as multiple organ failure,
  disease of the heart and blood vessels, damage to
  the nerves, and kidney diseases. These conditions
  can be aggravated as the child grows older. The
  child may also suffer from eye problems, since
  the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes can get
  damaged due to excess glucose levels. This
  condition is known as diabetic retinopathy and
  can lead to partial/total blindness, cataracts,
  and even glaucoma. It is very essential to
  diagnose this disorder in time to prevent these
  complications.

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Symptoms

• Though type 1 diabetes is most common in
  children and young adults, it can occur at any
  age. Some of its symptoms in children are given
  below. These symptoms usually take a few days to
  develop 
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Intense hunger
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Genital yeast infections seen mostly in girls
• Blurred vision
• Slow or prolonged healing of wounds
• Other symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting,
  and dehydration in very young children

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Treatments

• Though there is no certain cure for type 1
  diabetes, the severity of this condition can be
  brought under control by regular monitoring of
  the blood sugar level and keeping a check on the
  foods consumed. Before going for treatment, the
  doctor may ask the patient to undergo random
  blood test to determine blood sugarlevels. Once
  the level is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe
  certain drugs and medications for treatment.
  Insulin injections and other medications to
  produce insulin in the body are prescribed.
  Flexibility in the diet is also essential
  to control diabetes. Children with this problem
  are taught to monitor their blood sugar level and
  inject insulin. They are also encouraged to
  actively participate in diabetes management, in
  order to improve their quality of life.

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