Diabetes

The JDRF Kids Online site from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is a great site that has information and answers for kids who have diabetes, news on the search for a cure, ways you can make a difference, and lots more.

At BrainPOP: Diabetes - you'll find out all about diabetes. and how it can be treated. Check out the animated cartoon, the quiz, and the activities.

The Camps for Children With Diabetes list camps from around Canada and the United States.

Visit the Canadian Diabetes Association web site to learn about providing care to children with diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables cells to use sugar for energy. This results in sugar imbalances and other complications. It is one of the leading causes of deaths in North America.

In the U.S. and Canada alone there are 19.2 million cases of diabetes. 425,000 people die each year from diabetes in these countries.

People who are at greater risk for diabetes include people 45 and older, those who are related to diabetics, and those of African, Hispanic, or Native American backgrounds. Native Americans hold the highest rate of cases. More women have diabetes than men.

Some symptoms of diabetes are more than normal urination, blurred vision, dramatic weight loss, irritability, thirst, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Most of the Type 1 cases occur around puberty. In the U.S. 5-10% of diabetes cases are Type 1.

In Type 1 diabetes the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Scientists have found 20 genes that may contribute to causing Type 1 diabetes.

Because insulin-producing cells are destroyed in Type 1 diabetes, diabetics with this type must take insulin injections. If a person does not take insulin injection, their blood sugar becomes high. If a person’s blood sugar is high, they could go in a coma or die.

Because the body cannot produce energy from sugar it breaks down stored fat for energy, which puts acid in the blood. The acid stops the energy making process.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common kind of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 occurs mostly in people 45 years and older. The number of cases in younger people are growing. Scientists believe certain genes and obesity contribute to getting diabetes. 80% of all diabetics are obese.

If diabetes in not treated it could cause blindness. It can stop the kidneys from processing toxins, and also cause blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. It may cause a loss of feeling in the lower legs. Legs may have to be amputated. Burning pain, sensitivity, and coldness of the feet are side effects of Type 1 diabetes.

People get glucose tests to diagnose diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes generally get insulin injections. The amount of insulin depends on the diet and fitness. Blood sugar should stay within a healthy range.

For Type 2 diabetics diet control, exercise, and weight reduction are important. Exercise helps, even ten minutes every day.

To reduce the risk of diabetes, people can stay physically fit by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet that doesn’t contain lots of refined sugar, and keeping their weight under control.

Credits

Nathan, David M.. "Diabetes." World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. 17 Feb. 2004. . <http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar157400.>