Juvenile Diabetes Symptoms are often absent in children, thus Juvenile Diabetes often goes undetected. Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot adequately process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. It was once rare among children but is becoming more common.
Children can develop type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Type 1 was once commonly called juvenile-onset diabetes, and type 2 diabetes was often referred to as adult-onset diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes is increasingly being seen in children because of rising rates of childhood obesity due to poor diet and lack of exercise. These same factors can cause a child with type 1 diabetes to develop double diabetes.
Risk factors and potential causes of Juvenile Diabetes
Researchers are exploring why the rate of type 2 diabetes has risen among children in the United States and worldwide, especially among U.S. ethnic minorities. They believe that the complex causes of diabetes include genetics as well as behavioral, environmental, social, economic and cultural factors. Contributing factors include:
• Obesity. Up to 85 percent of children with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Obesity is strongly associated with the insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Obesity also contributes to double diabetes and may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes at an earlier age. Contributors to obesity include physical inactivity and a diet high in calories, saturated fats, starches and sugars.
• Exposure in the womb. Exposure to diabetes in utero may be a cause of the increase in type 2 diabetes among children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Genetics. A family history of diabetes increases a child’s risk of the disease. Genetics is also a factor in obesity.
Signs and Juvenile diabetes symptoms
The following indicators may be seen with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes:
• Drowsiness, fatigue or lack of energy.
• Extreme thirst (polydipsia).
• Bedwetting and polyuria (increased urination).
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Increased appetite (polyphagia).
• Obesity. Obesity often accompanies the insulin resistance that can lead to type 2.
• High glucose (hyperglycemia).
• Frequent infections.
• Slow healing of sores.
• Itching (pruritus).
• Vision changes.
• Mood changes and depression.
• Dizziness.
• Sweet, fruity-smelling breath. This may indicate ketosis. High levels of a waste product called ketones can form in the blood when the body uses stored fat for energy rather than glucose (blood sugar).
• Ketoacidosis. A dangerous condition involving ketosis and severe hyperglycemia. Some children are diagnosed with diabetes through being hospitalized with ketoacidosis.
• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketonic syndrome (HHNS). Dangerously high glucose along with dehydration. Some children are diagnosed with diabetes through being hospitalized with HHNS.
• Insulin resistance. The body’s impaired response to insulin may be an early sign of diabetes.
• Acanthosis nigricans. A skin condition marked by velvety dark patches, usually on the armpits, back of the neck or thighs. It is generally a sign of high levels of insulin (hyperinsulinemia).
• Vaginitis. A fungal infection of the vagina that is common in girls with ?
• diabetes.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A condition seen in girls with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, irregular or absent menstrual periods, increased hair on the face or body and high levels of male hormoneshormone (androgens).