Friday, November 26, 2010

Identify Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes can occur very rapidly. Symptoms of this potentially life threatening disease can develop within days. Although it’s more common in children and young adults, anyone can develop juvenile (also known as type 1) diabetes. So it’s important to be aware of the warning signs.


Instructions








1. Juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that robs the body of its ability to produce insulin, a hormone which allows sugar to enter the cells to produce energy. As a result, excess sugar builds up in the blood. This will cause a person’s blood sugar level to rise too high and that’s when the symptoms begin. The symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, weight loss, fatigue, flu like symptoms, and confusion.








2. If the above symptoms are left untreated, the body will be forced to use fat and muscle for energy. This causes the production of fatty acids, which enter the bloodstream and cause a chemical imbalance known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this life threatening condition are flushed, hot dry skin, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, drowsiness, restlessness or coma.


3. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. That way, if a diagnosis of juvenile diabetes is made, you can start treatment right away.

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