Childhood Diabetes is Becoming More Common
When a child gets diabetes then it is named either juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes, most of the time. This disease causes the pancreas to not be able to produce insulin or affects the body’s ability to use the insulin it produces, correctly. Insulin is a chemical which allows the body to use starches, carbs and sugars. Kids who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are also considered to be insulin-dependent. They will have to take insulin for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults over the age of 40. A recent development has caused much confusion in the science community. More and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because of unhealthy diet and lifestyle. In the case of type 2 diabetes, the body produces the insulin but the body is not able to use it correctly. Therefore, medication or additional insulin must be supplemented in order to stay healthy.
Diabetes cannot be diagnosed at home. You will have to seek the advice of the family doctor, naturopath, endocrinologist or a homeopath. If there is any question in your mind about your child’s health, especially if they are obese, you should seek an opinion as soon as possible. Diabetes tends to run in families so if there is a history then this is a cause for added concern. Diagnosis is easily done by use of a blood test. The levels of glucose are carefully measured.
Symptoms that you should be looking out for include: blurry vision, frequent urination, excessive urination, recurring infections (like athletes foot and UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)), chronic fatigue, tingly or numb hands and feet, loss of weight while not dieting and abnormally slow healing cuts and scrapes.
Science has not determined exactly what causes diabetes to happen in children. Many believe that a virus or auto-immune response might be responsible. It is a myth that it is caused by consuming excessive amounts of sugar or a result of obesity, alone.
Unfortunately, children must take daily doses of insulin if they are plagued by type 1 diabetes. It cannot be taken as a pill because the stomach acid breaks it down too much. A new and healthier diet must also be followed. The amount of food and time in between meals should be monitored closely.
Some herbs and minerals are also helpful for those suffering with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gymnema Sylvestre, Galega Officinalis, Bilberry and Chromium Picolonate all can help your child if he/she has been diagnosed. Talk with a naturopath, homeopath as well as your doctor before starting them on a natural regimen.