Children under the age of 16 are often diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. It's the most common form of diabetes and ninety to ninety-five percent of American children have this type of disease.
Juvenile diabetes is caused by the pancreases inability to produce insulin. This type of autoimmune disease causes the bodies defense system to attack the organs and tissues of its host.
The number of cases involving juvenile diabetes has risen over the past three decades. In America and Europe, the diagnosis of diabetes has tripled. Along with the rise in type 1 diabetes, type 2 has also risen in children, not commonly diagnosed in years past.
Although the rate of obese children can add some explanation of type 2 diabetes, the spread of type 1 diabetes can not be so easily explained. It's believed that the combination of environmental factors and genetics can lead to juvenile diabetes, even if there is no family history of diabetes.
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Symptoms of juvenile diabetes are basically the same symptoms as that of an adult with the disease. They could include, but not limited to, weight loss, fatigue, unquenchable thirst, and frequent urination. Some other symptoms to be aware of are stomach pains and headaches. It can also cause behavior changes in some children.
If a child complains of stomach aches for more than a few weeks, and has any of the other symptoms mentioned in this report, a physician should test the child for juvenile diabetes.
In closing, if a child exhibits any of the symptoms of diabetes, they should seek medical attention immediately. Early detection can reduce the chances of adult diabetes.