Juvenile diabetes is also known as type 1 diabetes. Juvenile diabetes is more common in children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas do not produce insulin.
Insulin is the hormone which is secreted by the pancreas; its function is to convert the circulating blood glucose into energy.
It acts as a medium of transportation for blood glucose to the body cells. In type 1 diabetes as the insulin is not produced by the pancreas, there is increase of glucose level in the circulating blood.
Causes of Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes)
The cause of juvenile diabetes is still not clear.
It is believed that certain toxic and infectious insult occur in a person’s immune system that is genetically predisposed. This lead to destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas which secrete insulin.
Juvenile diabetes runs in families, the siblings of the child suffering from this disease are more prone to develop it at younger age.
Juvenile diabetes is not as common as type 2 diabetes. An estimated 1.5 million people suffer from juvenile diabetes in USA of the 17 to 18 million diabetics.
Prevalence is more in population of European and Scandinavian origin.
Genetics – heredity.
Juvenile diabetics are non obese.
Onset is rapid.
Treatment For Juvenile Diabetes:
Management of diabetes is a lifelong affair. It has to be tailored as per the requirement and circumstance of the individual.
Self discipline and adherence are the hallmark for managing juvenile diabetes.
Diet, insulin, exercise and self monitoring of insulin should be maintained properly to enjoy a full life despite having juvenile diabetes.