Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder which afflicts 14 million people
in the United States, over two million of whom have its most severe form,
childhood diabetes (also called juvenile, Type I or insulin-dependent
diabetes).
How do insulin-dependent and adult onset diabetes differ?
Insulin-dependent diabetes appears suddenly, most often in children and
young adults, and progresses rapidly. In this form, the pancreas ceases to
manufacture insulin, a hormone necessary to convert the food we eat into
energy for the body. People with insulin-dependent diabetes must take one
to four daily injections of insulin to stay alive. But insulin is not a
cure.
In adult onset (Type II) diabetes, the pancreas can still make insulin and
treatment is usually through oral medication and strict diet.
Autoimmunity and Childhood Diabetes
It is now understood that childhood diabetes is an autoimmune illness, and
thus similar to rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Autoimmunity is an illness where the body's own white blood cells, which
normally fight infection, turn on a part of one's body. In childhood
diabetes, these white cells target the cells which produce insulin (the
beta cells of the islets). Over time, so many of these cells are lost that
there is a lack of insulin and diabetes subsequently develops.
Children with diabetes, and families of someone with diabetes, are at risk
for other auto-immune illnesses; for example, approximately one in ten will
develop thyroid autoimmunity (overactive or under active).
Barbara Davis Medical Center
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF
If you have a loved one or know someone
with diabetes check out
gottypefive.com! This is a not-for-profit organization that is just
starting out. Their goal is to make support groups for family members of
people with diabetes.
Andrew age 11, diagnosed with Type 1 at
9yrs old
In 2009 Andrew was one of the 16 kids
chosen to be a part of the Insulindependence "Triabuddies" Program!! What
an AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!! Click below to see a video clip of the trip!
Type 1 diabetes. Type one diabetes. Diabetes.
Juvenile diabetes. Juvenile diabetes research foundation. Walk for a cure.
Triabuddies. Insulindependance. American diabetes association. Ada.
Arizona jdrf walk. Teenagers with type 1 diabetes. Type5.com. miniature
horses and type 1 diabetes. Diabetes research. Insulin pumps. Diabetes
awareness.
Mini Distractions
