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Juvenile Diabetes
What is Juvenile Diabetes?
Juvenile Diabetes is a constant metabolic condition caused by the body's failure to break down glucose
(sugars) and store them correctly. When a person’s system is incapable of effectively processing glucose,
it will back up in the bloodstream producing a variety of health issues.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes because the onset of it occurs during childhood.
Children (kids) who are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes are insulin dependent. Insulin is the hormone that
allows the body to change the food we eat into energy which is needed to function as normal. Although Type 2
Diabetes generally appears in adults. The latest research indicates that children (kids) may develop type 2
diabetes as well.
What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes/Juvenile Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes/Juvenile Diabetes symptoms include:
• Intense thirst
• Repeated urination
• Irritability
• Constant weakness and tiredness
• Fuzzy vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Intensified hunger, although weight loss occurs
What can you tell me about insulin?
In all cases of Type 1 Diabetes ,the pancreas does not produce insulin. Without natural insulin, a hormone,
the body us unable to metabolize glucose from the food we eat and turn it into energy. In order to live,
insulin is necessary. Insulin is an artificially made hormone. There are a range of different kinds of
insulin and they are categorized to work at various speeds and periods of time throughout a twenty-four
hour period. Children (kids) and teens must monitor their blood sugars at fixed intervals in order to regulate
their insulin and food intake. This may be accomplished at home. By regulating your blood sugar, your diabetes
will stay under better control, which decreases the risk of further health problems. It is important to remember
that insulin helps control not cure Diabetes.
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is a small device which is about the size of a pager. It's NOT surgically implanted. The insulin
pump "infuses" insulin through a tiny tube that sits just underneath your skin, delivering tiny amounts all day
long, much like your pancreas did before you had diabetes. More than 150,000 people in the United States alone
wear insulin pumps.
The insulin pump lets children (kids) and teens who have diabetes and take insulin have
the power to take charge of controlling their blood sugar — levels without injections. An insulin pump may provide
a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle. It may also make exercise and participation in sports easier to manage.
The insulin pump is small enough to be worn by a child (kid) or teen without being bulky.
When using an insulin
pump, you do not have to adhere to a strict eating and sleeping schedule. If your lifestyle, school or your work schedule
causes late nights and sporadic eating schedules, the pump might help you obtain more improved A1c numbers. The insulin
pump allows you to get quick, more reliable insulin absorption. In addition, you will never be without your insulin. With
the insulin pump, mealtime is much easier to manage. If you want to eat, you can just push a couple of buttons to receive
more insulin. Or if you want to delay or skip a meal, you can do that also. The insulin pump allows you to take charge of
your life.
How does the Insulin pump work?
An insulin pump is a tool which makes it much simpler to gain
near-normal blood sugar control. Insulin pumps release a small amount of fast-acting insulin every few minutes. This
process is similar to the functioning of a healthy pancreas.
It became evident to Sarah’s
mother that her daughter was suffering from depression shortly after receiving a diagnosis of diabetes. The family physician
recommended that Sarah try using the pump. With the pump, she is now able to eat when she wants, sleep late on weekends, do
sleepovers and participate in field trips without being concerned about injections and special food. After just a short time,
her depression subsided.
The insulin pump provides you with the insulin you need, when you need it, while
giving you more dependability and reliability. The insulin pump may put an end to painful injections and living a strict
lifestyle which revolves around your diabetes.
The insulin pump emits small amounts of insulin into your body
throughout the day. This process is similar to what your pancreas did before you developed diabetes. You can put the insulin
pump in your pocket, attach it to your belt, or hide it underneath your clothes.
The insulin pump brings insulin to
your body via constant infusion through a narrow, stretchy tube that you may replace yourself every couple of days. Infusion
sets help you to put together your pump rapidly, with no trouble and are nearly pain free. The insulin pump is perfect for
children and teens who hate the feeling of needles.
Because the insulin pump allows you to adjust your insulin level
right away, many children and teens find that this device helps them to take greater control their blood sugar. It is no secret
that greater control can help you to feel healthier. A healthy person with fewer highs and lows is a happy and more active individual.
For the first two years of high school, Mike opted out of playing baseball. He knew that he had to give himself
injections during practice times and did not want to feel different from his teammates. He decided to skip the opportunity to play football.
After visiting family over the summer, he learned that his cousin used an insulin pump and enjoyed life as a varsity baseball player.
Now is the time to take charge of your diabetes
Like any new skill, learning to use the insulin pump correctly takes practice. Much like a school teacher, a diabetes educator will instruct
you about how to operate the equipment and change the infusion set. Adjusting your insulin dose may take more than a few weeks. Through this
learning process, remain diligent, try not to become frustrated and realize that your long term health and happiness is a priority.
