According to medical research increasing rate of obesity and low physical activity are the main reasons for the prevalence of diabetes in children. Moreover many children have a family history of diabetes, obesity, resistant to insulin and poor glycemic control. It is quite difficult to diagnose diabetes in children as children have few or no symptoms at all. To detect diabetes in children and for accurate diagnosis blood tests are needed.

Some of the common symptoms before the onset of diabetes are extreme thirst, weight loss, increased urination, tiredness, fatigue, increased appetite, headaches and stomach pains. These are warning signs that should be addressed to with timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Doctors usually prescribe diabetic vitamins and supplements to tide over complications. This should be followed by a change in lifestyle along with balanced diet and regular physical activity. Life becomes a struggle for a child suffering from type 1 diabetes. Children have to totally rely on their parents because they don’t understand the complications nor do they know when it is time for their next insulin shot.

Parents should teach their children suffering from diabetes how to take care of themselves properly. This would empower them to manage their lives when they grow older. This is very necessary otherwise they may end up having more complications. Periodic checking of sugar level is necessary to keep yourself informed about your child’s blood sugar level. If your child’s sugar level is between 70 to 150mg then you can assume that his/her sugar level is under control. Though a type1 diabetic child may find it hard to maintain this level yet with diligence and perseverance it can be made possible. If your child is successful in achieving this range or getting closer to it he/she would have to face fewer complications later on.

Compared to adults children are more active and therefore their sugar level should be checked more often. As children are more proactive they tend to burn more sugar which may result in low sugar (hypoglycemia) conditions. To tackle this condition they should keep supplies of candies or juices handy. Make your child aware of hypoglycemia symptoms like dizziness, nausea, shakiness, blurred vision, feeling faint, sweating, weakness and trouble in speaking. If diabetes is not taken care of properly it can lead to serious complications in your child.

During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes a number of changes as it nurtures the developing baby. Rest, nutrition, physical activity and energy are required in ample proportions to see her through successfully. Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy make the blood sugar changes in the body fluctuate very quickly and too often which leads to the worsening of diabetic symptoms and problems. Some of the problems that could arise when a woman is experiencing type 1 diabetes and pregnancy simultaneously are discussed here:

• Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy makes the blood sugar levels go out of control which in turn leads to high blood pressure in the mother. This means more frequent visits to the doctor.

• High blood pressure in the mother could lead to a premature delivery of the baby. It could also lead to seizures or a stroke in the mother during delivery or labor. The stroke could mean a blood clot in the brain which could lead to brain damage.

• In some cases the out of control blood sugar during type 1 diabetes and pregnancy can result in large amounts of amniotic fluid around the baby. This could lead to preterm labor as well.

• Since type 1 diabetes and pregnancy increase the blood sugar levels very high, these get to the baby through the placenta as well. This uncontrolled diabetes can result in the baby growing very large causing discomfort to the mother in the last stages of pregnancy. During delivery this could pose a threat both to the baby and mother often resulting in a cesarean section delivery.

Though when controlled and kept under check type 1 diabetes and pregnancy can go hand in hand; uncontrolled diabetes could cause the baby to have birth defects, born preterm, miscarry, have low birth weight or be stillborn. Since the babies organs are formed within the first two months of pregnancy when the mother is usually not even aware that she is pregnant; uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and diabetes could cause serious defects of the spine, brain and heart or result in miscarriage.

In order to prevent problems arising from an uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and pregnancy for the mother as well as the child, follow these advices:

• You need to ready to your body for a pregnancy. Make an extra effort to have planned pregnancy to avoid unknown harm to your developing baby in the first few weeks when their organs form.
• Visit your physician before planning a pregnancy. Your doctor can check the damage your body has already suffered due to diabetes and change medications and plan follow-ups. All the usual steps to planning a pregnancy like taking folic acid, eating right and exercising, avoiding stress, alcohol and smoking need to be discussed.
• Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy means you need to follow a strict meal plan. In order to control the blood sugar, if you are overweight, you will be required to loose some weight. A dietician can provide you with a food chart so you can maintain sugar levels and weight during pregnancy too.

One of the most common indicators of Type 1 diabetes is a family history. There have been studies that show Type 1 diabetes may be linked to hereditary causes and possibly to viral as well. However, if you have a family history of Type 1 diabetes, it is important to get regular check ups and tests for the disease even if you are exhibiting no other symptoms. Early diagnosis of the disease will allow you to become much more comfortable with adapting to any changes in diet, lifestyle and medication before it becomes severe enough where more drastic approaches need to be taken.

Unfortunately, with Type 1 diabetes, it is quite possible to live a good portion of your life completely symptom free and then have symptoms suddenly and unexpectedly appear. This can be quite disruptive to someone’s life but being aware of the symptoms will help let you know when medical assistance may be necessary in order to make a diagnosis. If you experience any of the following on a regular basis, check with your physician for additional testing to see if diabetes is the cause:

• Continually thirsty

• Frequent urination

• Increase in appetite accompanied by weight loss

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Vision problems

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Tests indicating high levels of sugar in blood or urine

The symptoms shown above are certainly indicators and common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, all of the symptoms can also be attributed to other diseases or conditions. This is why it is important to be aware and diligent about checking with your health care professional. If the symptoms occur and there is a family history of diabetes, this should be an especially strong indicator that you may need to get a check up.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in dealing with Type 1 diabetes. Insulin injections will likely be prescribed in order to maintain appropriate insulin levels. There will also likely be some dietary and lifestyle changes that need to be made. The earlier these are started, the better off the patient will be. So, be aware of the indicators and common symptoms and get regularly tested if you have a history of diabetes in the family.

Treatment Or Cure?

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured. It can only be treated. The primary way to treat type 1 diabetes is to replace the insulin that has been lost. In addition blood sugar levels are monitored and checked at regular intervals throughout the day.

Without the insulin and regular testing of the blood glucose levels, the patient can find him or herself in grave danger. The individual can develop an acute symptom called diabetic ketoacidosis. This results when there is not enough insulin to move glucose into the cells for energy so the glucose stays in the blood. As a result the body uses fats for fuel and this causes poisonous acids to build up. If not treated immediately this illness will result in coma or possible death.

Hypoglycemia

On the flip side is low blood sugar. This can be a result of too much insulin, lack of food, or extreme exercise. Symptoms include headache, shaking, sweating, hunger and anxiety. The best way to alleviate this problem is to give the diabetic sugar such as fruit juice, regular soda, or skim milk. Once the sugar levels rise it is a good idea to get the patient something to eat. If there is no improvement a glucagon shot should be given. In addition call 911 for transport to a hospital.

Residual Effects Of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can also leave the individual prone to illness such as heart disease, renal failure, blindness and nerve damage. Therefore it is vital that blood glucose levels be monitored on a regular basis. In addition diet and exercise and help prevent long term symptoms. If treated correctly, the diabetic can live a relatively long and normal life.