An Understanding of Juvenile Diabetes
Type 1, Type 2, adult onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes—what is it all about? For the non-diabetic these words are confusing and often misunderstood. However, if you have been a diabetic for any length of time, then you know the differences. Below is a chart to clear things up:
|
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
|
| Age at onset | Usually under 40 | Usually over 40 |
| Body weight | Thin | Often overweight |
| Symptoms | Generally appear suddenly | Will appear slowly |
| Insulin produced | None | Too little or it is ineffective |
| Insulin required | Must take insulin | May need insulin |
| Other names | Juvenile diabetes, IDDM or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus | Adult onset diabetes, or NIDDM non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
Juvenile diabetes (known as Type 1 since 1997) is defined by the ADA as “an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.” Or, juvenile diabetes is when the body ambushes its own insulin supply. To “counterattack”, you must take insulin, eat healthy, exercise and perform frequent blood glucose (BG) testing.
Upon being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, you will need to make some lifestyle changes. While the most renowned changes are diet and exercise, for many people, the most frightening change is the insulin injection and frequent glucose testing. Since Juvenile diabetes is quite often discovered in one’s early years, insulin injections and finger pricks for glucose testing can be more than a little disconcerting. Moreover, if the diabetic is a minor, the parent can’t help but think about the cost of the juvenile diabetes testing supplies.
Since juvenile diabetes glucose testing should be done a minimum of 3 times a day, be sure you know how much/many of your test strips are covered by your insurance provider. Keep in mind that the testing strips are where the diabetic’s testing supply companies profit, which is why you can frequently get the testing meter for little or no cost.
Glucose testing in juvenile diabetes is a crucial part of controlling your disease (especially in young children). If your insulin is too low, then your BG level will be too high. This can result in the development of DKA or Diabetic Ketoacidosis, which can lead to coma, shock, pneumonia, difficulty breathing and even death. DKA in children can also cause swelling of the brain.It is vital to maintain your juvenile diabetes blood glucose and insulin levels when you are under a great deal of stress or are sick as this may signal your hormones to cause your liver to release stored glucose. Unfortunately, these same hormones impede insulin’s impact on your body.
After being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, you can ask your doctor to help you design your diabetes control kit. These diabetes supplies may range from simple to high tech. Just remember, having the right tools is only part of the “job”, knowing how and when to use them is equally essential.
|
Juvenile diabetes Testing Supply |
Usage |
Frequency |
| Blood glucose meter and test strips | Used to determine glucose level in the blood | 3-4 times daily–minimum |
| Ketone Strips | To test for ketone levels | Whenever blood glucose levels are 240 mg/dl |
| Lancets, syringes | Used for insulin injections | As your doctor prescribes |
| Logbook | Record your daily BG levels, as well as any changes you are experiencing, ketone levels, exercise, injection concerns, etc. | Daily |
|
Extra Items |
||
| Carrying Case | Keeps all your testing supplies together | Especially nice when travelling |
| Glucose Tablets | Emergency situations when your BG level drops | As needed |
| Personal Identification | Lets people know your medical situation should you become unconscious or injured | Emergencies |
Tags: juvenile diabetes, juvenile diabetes glucose testing, juvenile diabetes testing supplies, Juvenile diabetes Testing Supply
