DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK, NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008

Diabetes in children and Adolescents

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a problem where you have too much glucose(Sugar) in the blood.Glucose comes from the food we eat and is needed by the body for energy. The amount of glucose in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, produced in the pancreas. If the body does not have enough insulin, or the insulin is not doing its job properly, there will be high glucose levels in the blood. Sometimes the body cells may be resistant to the effect of insulin, requiring more of it that normal for the same effect.

There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1, where the body is producing no insulin. This type is common in young people. In Type 2, the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly. This type is more common withg adults, but is now on the increase in young people. Type 1 usually arises from abnormal antibodies and inflammatory cells that damage the pancreas cells where insulin is made.This abnormality may be genetic or may be a result of certain viral infections, or exposure to environmanetal toxins. Type 2 is more related to age and lifestyle, although other factors like genetics and ethnicity are considered to have a bearing on the risk.

For the first time in history, type 2 diabetes is now more common than Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.  Most of these cases are a direct result of poor eating habits, higher body weight and lack of exercise

How do I know I have Diabetes?

Early symptoms of diabetes include weight loss (despite increased appetite), and dehydration exhibited in frequent thirst and high consumption of fluids like water and juices.  Diabetes can also cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting.  Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to blurred vision.  Patients with diabetes are prone to infection of the bladder, skin and vaginal areas. To confirm if you have diabetes or not, visit a medical facility and have your blood sugar level checked by a competent person who will inform you of your status.

Is diabetes preventable?

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping weight in control and by increasing physical activity. Eating healthier and at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week can do wonders in preventing or delaying the disease. Type 1 is a result of an autoimmune process and there is no sure way of preventing it. However, it can be detected in early stages and managed properly. Hence children at a high risk, say due to genetic reasons, should regularly check up and seek assistance from qualified medical personnel.

Is there a cure for diabetes?

Diabetes is chronic and hence cannot be cured.  However, having it is not a death sentence, because it can be managed through healthy eating, physical activity, medication and sometimes insulin injection.  Patients with Type 1 diabetes MUST always have insulin injections.

What if I don’t get treatment for diabetes?

High blood sugar levels can damage body organs and tissues, causing blindness or vision impairment, stroke and heart attack, loss of limbs and kidney failure. Regular health checks are important to avoid these risks.

LIONS have been at the forefront of fighting preventable blindness through SightFirst Programs.  Since 1984, there has been particular interest in Diabetes Awareness because diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 and 75.  Diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye are damaged.  This usually happens because of high blood sugars or high blood pressure. The Lions International  Diabetes Awareness Day is November 14, and November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  The Lions Club of Kampala Central chose November 10—16 as the Lions Awareness Week for this year. The main activity of the week is to disseminate information about diabetes for people to know how to prevent or delay it, and how to manage it when it finally strikes.

© Lions Club Kampala of Central, 2008