Diabetes is a disorder in which insulin, a hormone necessary for the body to process sugar, is either not produced or not accepted by the body. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Type 1 diabetes is most likely to affect a toddler and is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does produce insulin, but either it doesn’t do so in adequate amounts or the body has developed a resistance to the hormone. Contrary to popular belief, experts say you don’t get diabetes from eating too much sugar, though being overweight is a risk factor for Type 2. Type 2 used to be diagnosed mostly in people past forty, but it is increasingly common among children; due in part to the increased rate of childhood obesity. Type 2 is also much more likely than Type 1 to be genetic, and it affects people of indigenous descent in disproportionate numbers. Both types can be managed through scheduled eating, regular insulin checks and other measures. Experts say it is essential to educate daycare providers and all the other people who care for your child on how to handle diabetes.
Better Health Channel
"Juvenile Diabetes"
"Around one in every 700 Australian children has diabetes, which makes it one of the most common serious diseases amongst children… There are two main types of diabetes: juvenile-onset and mature-onset. Juvenile diabetes can affect anyone of any age, but is more common in people under 30 years and tends to develop in childhood, hence its name." …read the full article
Dr Greene
"Diabetes, Or Just Normal Thirst?"
"Normally, a hormone called insulin pushes sugar from the blood into the body’s cells where it can be used for fuel. The concentration of sugar in the blood remains within a fairly narrow range. If the body stops making insulin (type 1 diabetes), then adequate sugar doesn’t get into the cells. [. . .] Without insulin, muscle and fat begin to be burned for fuel." …read the full article
MBF
“Demystifying Childhood Diabetes: The Facts About Type 1 vs Type 2"
“Australia’s current influenza outbreak is being linked to an increase in type 1 diabetes – often referred to as juvenile diabetes because it affects young people – and it’s important to cut through any confusion so that parents know why and what they should do." …read the full article
Children, Youth And Women’s Health
"Diabetes In Childhood"
"Children who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and their families, need to learn many new things – how to measure blood glucose levels, give injections and how to balance food and activity – all of which they will find difficult to start with. Diabetes will have to be managed for all of the child’s life, but diabetes need not prevent a child from living a full and active life." …read the full article
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
"Parents Of Children With Type 1 Diabetes"
"When your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it affects the whole family. Even when your child has had diabetes for many years there are still adjustments to be made with each new activity or growth spurt. It can be a constant learning curve. But you are not alone, many parents before you have been down this very path." …read the full article
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Diabetes Australia
