Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Type1 (Juvenile) Diabetes







More than one million Americans have type 1 (juvenile) diabetes - a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Someone is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every hour. It can and does strike adults as well. In type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone necessary to sustain life. Although the causes are not entirely known, scientists believe the body's own immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

The Truth About Type 1 Diabetes

AFFECTS YOUNG CHILDREN: It's a disease you never outgrow.

INSULIN DOES NOT CURE IT: Insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes.

NEEDS CONSTANT ATTENTION: To stay alive, those with type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily and test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day.

DIFFICULT TO MANAGE: Many other factors can adversely affect a person's blood-sugar control including: stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, and fatigue.

Type 1 Diabetes Statistics and Warning Signs

Even with insulin, type 1 usually results in a drastic reduction in quality of life and shortens the average life span by 15 years.

Each year approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1, over 13,000 of whom are children. That's 35 children each and every day.

Warning signs of type 1 diabetes include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, sudden loss for no reason, sudden vision changes, sugar in urine, fruity odor in breath, heavy or labored breathing, stupor or unconsciousness. These symptoms may occur suddenly.