What Problems Can Happen With Type 1 Diabetes?
If early symptoms of diabetes are missed and treatment isn't started, chemicals
called ketones can build up in the blood and cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting,
fruity-smelling breath, breathing problems, and even loss of consciousness. Sometimes
these symptoms are mistaken for the flu or appendicitis. Doctors call this serious
condition diabetic
ketoacidosis, or DKA.
Diabetes also can cause long-term complications in some
people, including heart disease, stroke, vision impairment, and kidney damage. It
also can cause other problems throughout the body in the blood vessels, nerves, and
gums. While these problems don't usually show up in kids or teens who've had type
1 diabetes for only a few years, they can affect them in adulthood, particularly if
their diabetes isn't well controlled.
There's good news, though — proper treatment can stop or control these diabetes
symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
What's New in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes?
Doctors and researchers are developing new equipment and treatments to help kids
cope with the special problems of growing up with diabetes.
Some kids and teens are already using devices that make blood glucose testing and
insulin injections easier, less painful, and more effective. One of these is the insulin
pump, a mechanical device that can deliver insulin more like the pancreas
does. There's also been progress toward the development of a wearable or implantable
"artificial pancreas." This consists of an insulin pump linked to a device that measures
the person's blood glucose level continuously.
Doctors and scientists are investigating a potential cure for diabetes. This involves
transplanting insulin-producing cells into the body of a person with diabetes. Researchers
are also testing ways to stop diabetes before it starts. For example, scientists are
studying whether diabetes can be prevented in those who may have inherited an increased
risk for the disease.
How Can I Help My Child?
Parents can help their kids lead happier, healthier lives by giving constant encouragement,
learning what they can about diabetes, and making sure their children eat properly,
exercise, and stay on top of blood sugar control every day.
Kids and teens with diabetes need to monitor and control their glucose levels.
They need to:
- check blood sugar levels a few times a day by testing a small blood sample
- give themselves insulin injections, have an adult give them injections, or use
an insulin pump
- eat a balanced, healthy diet and pay special attention to the amounts of sugars
and starches in the food they eat and the timing of their meals
- get regular exercise
to help control blood sugar levels and help avoid some of the long-term health problems
that diabetes can cause, like heart disease
- work closely with their doctor and diabetes health care team to get the best possible
diabetes control
- be watched for signs of complications and other diabetes-related health problems
Living with diabetes is a challenge for anyone, but kids and teens often have special
issues to deal with. Young kids might not understand why they need blood
tests and medicines.
They might be scared, angry, and uncooperative.
Teens may feel different from their peers and want a more carefree lifestyle than
their diabetes allows. Even when they faithfully follow their treatment schedule,
they might feel frustrated if the natural body changes of puberty make their diabetes
somewhat harder to control.
Having a child with diabetes may seem overwhelming at times, but you're not alone.
If you have questions or problems, reach out to the diabetes
health care team — they can help with medical issues, and are there to support
and help you and your child.
Date reviewed: August 2018