Diabetes is bad when it occurs in adults, but it is actually far worse when it attacks little children. Child diabetes is an emerging health condition today. So how do you know to suspect and detect it before it creates irreversible damage in your child?

The incidence of child diabetes is also known as juvenile or insulin dependant diabetes. This is usually also Type 1 diabetes and affects almost 95% of the children. This is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas fails to create the insulin hormone so necessary for the body.

Is this very common?

Thankfully, diabetes in children, though on the rise today, is not altogether quite so common an occurrence! The alarming thing here, though, is that the number of juvenile diabetics has gone up threefold in the last 3 decades or so, the world over. Of course, much of this could be attributed to obesity, poor lifestyles and bad eating habits, though not much conclusive evidence is there about the same as of today.

What are the causes of the disorder?

No one particular cause can be traced for this disorder. It could come about because of the environment, an illness, family history (though this factor may not be present sometimes) and so on.

How do I know to suspect this disorder may be attacking my child?

The symptoms of this disorder are much the same as Type 2 diabetes. Look for the following and take your child to a doctor if they persist beyond a certain point of time.

Is your child excessively thirsty and using the restroom too frequently? Is he feeling tired, lethargic and fatigued all the time? Does he experience stomachaches and headaches? Is he suddenly showing some hitherto unseen behavior problems? If yes and if the symptoms persist too long, you just might need to be prepared for the worst!

If your child is found to suffer from diabetes, follow the doctor’s advice, take good care of him and he will soon live a healthy life in spite of his condition!