What Is Juvenile Diabetes?

Though it is becoming more and more common, many people do not know what juvenile diabetes is. Though this medical condition is serious, it does not mean the end of life. In fact, those with juvenile diabetes can lead full lives. The follow is some basic information about condition and the latest news from juvenile diabetes research.

Facts about Diabetes

To understand juvenile diabetes, a person first needs to understand diabetes in general. This medical condition is linked to how a person processes the food they consume. After a meal, all food is processed into sugar, commonly called glucose. After this, the sugar is moved to the bloodstream with the help of a hormone called insulin. This hormone is made by the body's pancreas. A person with diabetes produces either too much insulin or not enough of it. Thus, the body has trouble responding or dealing with the irregularities of insulin. If this issue is not treated, it can negatively affect everything from a person's sight to their heart and kidneys.

Types of Diabetes

Ultimately, there are two main types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, sometimes called non-insulin dependent, is the most common form of the condition. This form of diabetes revolves around insulin resistance. Commonly linked to obesity, Type 2 diabetes means that the body doesn't not produce enough insulin or that the body does not know how to process or respond to the insulin; in some cases, both of these things may be true.

Juvenile diabetes is Type 1 diabetes. It is also sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes. This condition occurs when the cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Thus, those who have juvenile diabetes needs to inject insulin into themselves in order to survive or live. At first, one may have a nurse or family member give them injections. However, if one wants freedom, they will soon have to learn how to not only check their own insulin but also how to give themselves injections. If they do not do this, they can grow deathly ill.

Possible Outcomes

One can live a long life with juvenile diabetes as long as they see a doctor and monitor their insulin levels. However, if a person does not do these things, there are many possible outcomes. Blindness is one of the more common effects. Additionally, a person may have a stroke or heart attack, kidney failure, and may even have digestion and nerve issues. Thus, treatment for juvenile diabetes is absolutely necessary. If one goes without treatment for a long period of time, they could die.