Sometime last month i was chatting with a friend on issues of diet and she went on to tell me about her observation on how a lot of modern parents in a bid to make their kids feel good or pampered stuff them with all kinds of unhealthy snacks coated with so much sugar and unhealthy preservatives.
I remember also reading an article few years back about how exercises were forcefully added to school curriculums in one of these advanced countries in the middle east as they observed lots of their children coming down with obesity and diabetes.
These two scenarios prompted me to write this post especially for parents, to mind what their children eat.
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What is Juvenile Diabetes?
This is a chronic condition in children in which their pancreas produces little or no insulin (the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar).
It is also known as Type I or Insulin dependent diabetes.
Causes of Juvenile Diabetes.
- The exact cause of Type I diabetes is unknown. However, in some people it could be as a result of an autoimmune disease.
And there are risk factors that can predispose a child to this disease condition.
1. Family history.
In certain families we see the disease trend being passed from one generation to the next.
If you come from such a family, then you need to place extra care on your children's lifestyle especially as regards to what they eat.
2. Excessive weight.
Over weight and obesity are very strong factors that can predispose a child to diabetes.
3. Diet.
The things you feed your child with will either make them healthy and strong or predispose them to disease conditions such as this.
What are the Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes?
1. Increased thirst and frequent urination.
A young toilet trained child might suddenly experience bed wetting.
2. Extreme Hunger.
Without enough insulin to move glucose into your child's cells, your child's muscles and organs will lack enough energy and this will in turn trigger intense hunger.
3. Weight loss.
Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, your child may lose weight, sometimes rapidly.
Without the energy that sugar supplies, muscle tissues and fat stores simply shrink.
4. Fatigue and Lack of Energy.
Lack of glucose in your child's cells will make him or her become tired and lethargic.
5. Irritability and behavioral changes.
In addition to mood problems, your child's performance at school may experience a sudden decline.
6. Fruity-Smelly breath.
Burning fat instead of sugar to produce energy for the body cells produces certain substances called Ketone bodies which are responsible for that kind of breath.
7. Blurred Vision.
If your child's blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of their eyes and may cause blurry vision for them.
8. Yeast Infection.
Girls with Type I diabetes will also be susceptible to yeast infection.
Complications Arising from Juvenile Diabetes.
1. Heart and Blood Vessel damage.
2. Nerve damage.
3. Kidney damage.
4. Eye damage.
5. Certain skin infections.
Having seen all that Juvenile diabetes is and can do to your child, it is important that you do all you can to ensure your child eats healthy with fruits and vegetables included in their meals and also encourage them to engage in little, non rigorous exercises to keep fit.
Also regular check ups at the hospital is recommended.
And if you notice any of those symptoms outlined above in your child, quickly go and see the doctor for further evaluations.
Credits :
www.healthyliving.azcentral.com
Mayo Clinic
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