Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of children every year. The person afflicted with the disease is no longer able to produce insulin, which is an important hormone that all bodies need to survive. It is a very serious condition and needs to be treated properly to keep the child healthy and stable at all times. In this guide, you will learn about the symptoms, treatments, and other vital information concerning Type 1 diabetes.
What are the warning signs of Type 1 diabetes?
There are several warning signs to look for when it comes to this condition. This is a list of the most common signs and symptoms:
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Excessive thirst
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Extreme fatigue
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Sudden loss of weight
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Frequent urination
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Sweet smelling breath
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Dramatic changes in behavior
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Blurry vision
If your child has one or more of the above signs, you should get them seen by a doctor immediately for pediatric services diabetic testing. Tell them your concerns and they will be able to run the proper tests.
What are the risk factors for this condition?
Just like any other disease, there are plenty of risk factors associated with Type 1 diabetes, like race, genetics, or family members with the disease. There really isn't much you can do if you have the risk factors except closely monitor your children for the above-mentioned risk factors.
What are some complications of this condition?
If your child has Type 1, there are a lot of complications they may experience from it, such as:
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Kidneys – Kidney failure or kidney disease can occur
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Vision – Damage to the retina's blood vessels can cause bad vision or even blindness
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Skin – Children will be susceptible to skin infections
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Nerves – Nerve damage can occur, mostly located to the legs and feet
Be on the lookout for any of the complications so your child's doctor can treat them as they occur. Some of the damage may be reversed if caught in time.
How is the disease diagnosed and treated?
Should you think your child has this condition, they need to see a doctor. Sometimes the condition is caught in the Urgent Care when your child is sick. Most times the doctor will order a blood sugar test, which is done using a blood sample. The numbers of the test will determine if your child is producing enough insulin. Urine tests are also sometimes used to check for ketones in the urine. If your child is diagnosed with Type 1, the doctor will set up a treatment plan. You and your child will need to learn how to monitor blood sugar levels, follow a proper diet, and learn about their insulin treatment. Most kids get an insulin pump or will receive insulin injections.
