What Is Juvenile Diabetes?
Juvenile diabetes is a chronic condition where the cells of the immune system destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. More than 1 million children in India are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes each year. It accounts for about 5-10% of all the diabetes cases. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured but can be managed.
How Would You Know If Your Child Has Juvenile Diabetes?
Some of the common symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes include,
-Frequent urination
-Excessive thirst
-Loss of weight
-Increased hunger
-Blurry eyesight
How Can You Manage Juvenile Diabetes?
Here are few practical ways that can help you and your child manage it better:
1 . Educate Yourself And Your Child
It is very important for you, as a parent, and the child to accept it bravely. Alongside, it is important that you are well-informed about the symptoms, the risks of potential complications, practical ways to manage the disease and the importance of treatment.
2 . Make Dietary Changes
It is very important to eat healthy and is natural for the child to be a little fussy about food. However, help them realize the importance of a healthy diet that does not include processed food products. Make sure you provide your child with healthier snacks that do not deteriorate his health.
3 . Include Physical Activities
Make sure your child is physically active. Moderate and adequate exercise is very crucial for the overall health of your child. Engage your child in hobbies that require physical activity such as dancing, swimming, outdoor sports, yoga, etc.
4 . Provide Them Emotional Support
Being a patient of juvenile diabetes, your child might feel different and isolated from other children. They might also become a victim of insensitive teasing among their peers. Hence, it is extremely important that you provide them with all the emotional support they need. Make sure you are the first one your child confides in as and when needed. Apart from regular treatment, the child needs to be emotionally strong.
5 . Keep The Teachers Informed
During the early years of the disease while the child goes to school, make sure that the school teachers and especially the school nurses are aware of the child’s condition. Ensure that the nurse in the school can handle in case of any emergency.
6 . Regular Medical Follow-Up
Alone taking the medication and precautions shall only effectively help to manage the disease, however, it is very important that every three-four months you take your child for a follow-up. It shall significantly help in the treatment of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.