Diabetes Symptoms and Information

Type II diabetes is making headway into the pediatric population.  This is mostly due to the fact that the rate of obesity is skyrocketing, not only in the US but around the world.  Poor eating habits and lack of exercise contribute to this dilemma.  Proper education about this disease and how to control it is the best way to manage diabetes.

Type II diabetes is a preventable disease in children.  If diagnosed early, it may be reversed.  Unfortunately, most are not diagnosed early unless they are screened properly.  Even if diagnosed later, if diabetes is controlled, it will help prevent or delay the development of complications.   Therefore, it is important for diabetes to be treated early and aggressively.

In order for diabetes to be treated early, it must be diagnosed early.  In order for it to be diagnosed early, signs and symptoms of diabetes must be recognized.  Children with risk factors such as obesity, family history of diabetes, certain racial/ethnic backgrounds and other signs of insulin resistance should be brought to medical attention.

Left untreated or improperly treated, children with diabetes will develop complications at an early age.  These complications include heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage.  Taken together, complications from diabetes will result in a shortened life span.

Because diabetes is becoming more prevalent and has such serious consequences, it is crucial that it be recognized and treated at an early stage.  Diabetes education in order to increase compliance with treatment regimens is also important to stress.  A healthier lifestyle has far-reaching beneficial consequences.