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Facts about
Diabetes |
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Diabetes is a medical condition marked by the body’s inability to produce an inadequate amount of insulin. The pancreas normally produces natural insulin, which is required for the body to metabolize food properly. Common signs of diabetes are:
excessive thirst
headache
blurred vision
sweating
facial flushing
dizziness
frequent urination
vomiting
weight loss
Juvenile diabetes is a special form of the disease that affects children from birth. Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes can lead to coma and death.
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Challenges |
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Children with diabetes must stick to a strict diet. This includes balanced portions of protein and carbohydrates eaten several times a day, along, with fresh fruits and vegetables. Concentrated sweets should be generally avoided, but small exceptions are acceptable if the remainder of the day’s dietary intake and insulin dosages are adjusted accordingly.
Children with diabetes should take in a prescribed number of calories every day and may require six small meals a day to keep blood sugar levels constant. |
Treatment |
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To control blood sugar levels, the child must receive insulin in the form of an injection with a small needle. Some children may require 4 to 6 injection a day, while others may need only one. For mild forms of diabetes, oral medications can sometimes help control the blood sugar better, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for insulin injections.
Some children may have an insulin pump, a device that is attached to the body with a small needle that delivers a set amount of insulin at intervals without multiple injections.
Blood sugar monitoring is essential for the proper control of diabetes.
Children with diabetes can lead normal lives with regular medical care, meal planning, and medication. |
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