Definition of Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes mellitus is now more commonly called Type 1 diabetes. It is a syndrome with disordered metabolism and inappropriately high blood glucose levels due to a deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreas.

Juvenile Diabetes TYPES

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is autoimmune disease that affects 0.3% on average. It is result of distruction of beta cells due to aggresive nature of cells present in the body. Researchers belive thats some of the Etiology and Risk factorswhich may trigger type 1 diabetes may be genetic, poor diet (malnutrition) and environment (virus affecting pancreas).

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes, is also called non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. It occurs when the body produces enough insulin but cannot utilize it effectively.

Juvenile Diabetes Causes

Diabetes is a lifelong disease for which there is not yet a cure. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter body cells.

Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy despite high levels in the bloodstream. This leads to increased hunger.

In addition, the high levels of glucose in the blood cause the patient to urinate more, which in turn causes excessive thirst. Within 5 to 10 years, the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are completely destroyed and the body can not longer produce insulin.

Juvenile Diabetes Symptoms

* Being very thirsty
* Urinating often
* Feeling very hungry or tired
* Losing weight without trying
* Having sores that heal slowly
* Having dry, itchy skin
* Losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet
* Having blurry eyesight

Juvenile Diabetes Complications

Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them.

Juvenile Diabetes Complications

If juvenile diabetes is left unmanaged, damage can occur to:

* Eyes - leading to diabetic retinopathy and possible blindness

* Blood vessels - increasing risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery obstruction

* Nerves - leading to foot ulcers, impotence, and digestive problems

* Kidneys - leading to kidney failure