Managing Pediatric Diabetes in Lake Charles, LA
Diabetes, if unmanaged, can lead to a number of serious health complications. Juvenile diabetes, or type 1, used to be the number one concern for young patients, but type 2 diabetes among children and teens is becoming a growing problem. Speak with our Lake Charles, LA, pediatrician about everything you can do to protect your child from diabetes complications, learn more by reaching out to Dr. Rachel Chatters of Chatters Pediatrics.
Diabetes Types and Causes
Both forms of the condition negatively impact the body's ability to properly utilize glucose, which can result in hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.
Type 1 is inherited and is not preventable, the condition causes an autoimmune reaction that results in the immune system mistakenly attacking cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
Your child can be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have a family history of the condition, but it usually is preventable. With type 2 the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin and the body doesn't use the insulin produced effectively.
Signs and Symptoms
There are three common signs of diabetes, increased appetite, increased thirst, and increased need to urinate. These are not conclusive but they can help provide an early signal to have your child examined for diabetes or similar health issues.
If you suffer from diabetes, because there isn't enough insulin to process the sugar you eat, your body assumes you're not eating enough so you may feel an increase of appetite.
Also, because sugar isn't being processed and used by your body, your kidneys have to overwork to get rid of the excess leading to increased urination. But the kidneys also get rid of hydrating fluids in the process, causing increased thirst.
Diabetes Treatment in Lake Charles, LA
Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by practicing healthy habits, such as eating healthy foods and staying physically active.
While neither condition can be cured, it can and should be managed to prevent complications. Medication and insulin, along with a healthy lifestyle, are all important parts of diabetes treatment.