BY: HEAVEN ROBINSON

Juvenile Diabetes

EVERY YEAR, IN THE UNITED STATES ABOUT 13,000 CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES. IF FAMILIES CAN HELP CHILDREN CONTROL THEIR

BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS EVERYDAY, IT CAN HELP PREVENT PROBLEMS IN THE LONG RUN.

DIABETES IS A CHRONIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WHICH THE BODY CONTAINS HIGH LEVELS OF

SUGAR IN THE BLOOD.

What is Diabetes?

How Diabetes Works

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 DiabetesOften diagnosed in children and young adultsThe body (mostly the pancreas) makes little

or no insulinDaily insulin injections are needed

Types of Diabetes Continued

Type 2 DiabetesMostly occurs in adultsTeens and young adults are being diagnosed

due to higher rates of obesityMany people who have this type of diabetes

don’t know they have it because it develops slowly

Types of Diabetes Continued…

Gestational Diabetes- high blood sugars during pregnancy

• During pregnancy the fetus may become larger due to the extra glucose that is stored as fat that the mother develops

Symptoms in children with diabetes

ThirstBlurred visionFatigueFrequent urinationHungerWeight loss

Symptoms continued…

HeadachesStomach painsBehavior problemsSweatingFeeling weak, shaking

Treatment

Taking insulin injectionsMonitoring blood glucose levels several times

a day using a meterEating a healthy diet that spreads

carbohydrates throughout the day, to prevent an increase in blood sugar levels

Treatment Continued…

Exercising regularly or getting some type of physical activity done throughout the day

Regular check-ups every 3 to 6 months to monitor glucose levels

Ways to Monitor and Treat Diabetes

Insulin Pump

Insulin Pen

Glucose Meter

Other Ways to Monitor and Treat Diabetes!

Daily Physical Activity

Eating a healthy diet

Giving an Insulin Injection

Gather your insulin suppliesPrepare your insulin bottleDraw insulin into syringeThe insulin should be injected into a layer of

fat under the skinIf the needle is injected into muscle, the

insulin will absorb too quickly

Insulin Injection Sites

•Abdomen•Buttocks•Hip areas•Front and sides of thighs•Outer upper arms

Helpful Tips

Encourage physical activityKeep monitoring reasonableBecause sugar levels can drop rapidly, have

your child wear medical identification so medical professionals can administer the correct treatment

Keep your child’s school up to date with his or her diabetes care

More Tips!

Join a support group for children and familiesEncourage your child to join camps for

children with diabetes. It allows them to connect with other children who have the same problems as they do.

To find a camp near you, check out this website!

KidsCamps.com- http://www.kidscamps.com/

Foundations and Organizations

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation- http://www.jdrfeasternpa.com/content/34/jdrf

American Diabetes Association- http://www.diabetes.org/

The Foundation for Diabetes Research- http://diabetesnj.org/

Support Groups

JDRF Kids Online- http://kids.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=109705

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia- http://www.chop.edu/

American Diabetes Association- http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/

Thanks for the help!Google ImagesGoogle.comChildren’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaJuvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)American Diabetes Association