The most common form of diabetes in teens and children is type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes also known as insulin dependent diabetes is found in 90 to 95% of all children and teens with diabetes.
It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the pancreas inability to produce enough insulin because the body's immune system attacks its own insulin producing beta cells.
In the last 30 years type 1 diabetes in children has become increasingly more common as well as type 2 diabetes in children.
The American diabetes association's research says the reason for the larger number of children with type 2 diabetes is because of the increasing obesity rate among children and teens due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices.
As for type 1 diabetes being on the rise in children scientists say it is probably due to environmental triggers and genes even without a family history of diabetes.
The symptoms are the same in childhood cases as they are in adult cases.
extreme thirst, increased urine production, tiredness, fatigue, and weight loss are the shared symptoms.
The symptoms more typical for children include stomach aches, headaches, and behavioral changes/problems.
Most children diagnosed with diabetes need insulin treatment.
Most common insulin regimens include frequent fast acting insulin shots during day and slow acting at night.
many smaller children don't need the night time injection but will eventually as they get older and older children may need continuous insulin pumps.
Monitoring blood glucose levels and keeping them in the healthy normal range is the best way to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Being prepared is very important so learn how to give insulin injections and teach the your child how to self administer injections.
Alsoteach your child how to measure blood glucose levels and make sure their school and friends know about their condition.
As far as diet goes children should have three meals a day and 3 or so snacks throughout the day.
Carbohydrates are a vital part of your child's diet.
The following are good carbohydrates:whole grains, fruits and vegetables, cereal, popcorn, oatmeal, legumes, oat nut bread, bread made with rye, whole grain, or barley.
Maintain a low fat high fiber low protein diet.
Children can still have sweets but in moderation.
Once or twice a week is alright.
Ask your doctor about using a sugar substitute called stevia as well.
It's all natural without all the bad effects of having too much regular sugar.
Exercise is a must when it comes to diabetes.
Children should exercise at least once day for 30minutes to an hour.
Make sure they have juice or some other carbohydrate before physical activity and keep something with sugar in it around, because physical activity can lower the blood sugar.
Parents can encourage their child to exercise by doing family activities like hiking, swimming, jogging, playing games, walking etc.
Proper diet, nutrition, exercise, and treatment will benefit your child greatly in the long run.
It can help prevent complications from occurring that are more likely to happen the longer a person has diabetes.
Schedule regular checkups with the doctor and ask about Diabetic supplements.
They are natural supplements that can aid in the prevention of complications due to diabetes and increase insulin production and circulation to the limbs.
They work slowly but are very effective.
Without the right treatment and careful management of the disease complications will occur such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, skin problems, amputation due to lack of circulation in the limbs, hypoglycemia,hyperglycemia, and many others.