Teaching your kids to moderate how many sweets they eat can help prevent health issues like type II diabetes. But some kids are born with the condition, which can’t be prevented. The condition is also known as juvenile diabetes. because the condition typically develops in childhood. It is still unknown what causes this type of diabetes, although doctors believe genetics play a role.
What is Type I Diabetes?
With juvenile diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood. Elevated blood sugar levels lead to health complications such as damaged nerves and blood vessels.
How is It Treated?
People with type I diabetes have to check their blood sugar levels frequently and take insulin regularly, either by shots or with an insulin pump. Without proper insulin treatment, your child’s body can go into diabetic ketoacidosis. Many technological advancements have made it easier to manage diabetes today, and type 1 medications are more customized and tailored to specific patients’ needs.
Emergency Care for Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a condition where the body produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream, called ketones. This condition happens much more frequently in type 1 than in type 2 diabetics. Because ketoacidosis can be fatal, seek emergency care if:
- Your blood sugar level is consistently higher than 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 16.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
- Ketones are present in your urine, and you can’t reach your doctor for advice. You can purchase ketone testing strips at drugstores, supermarket pharmacies, and other stores.
- You have symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, or confusion.
To learn more about diabetes, read our blog that compares the two types of diabetes. You might also like our blog, Traveling with Diabetes. Join the conversation on health and parenting by liking Hospitality Health ER’s Facebook page.
