FAQs About Pediatric Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects many millions of people across the world. If not properly treated, diabetes can greatly impact your health and quality of life. While you might think that diabetes is primarily a problem for older folks, many children can and will develop this condition. Worried about pediatric diabetes and live around Sacramento, CA? Stop by Timberlake Pediatrics.

What Causes Diabetes?

Your body produces a vital hormone called insulin, which plays a major role in regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin helps sugars enter cells, where it can then be used to produce energy. Diabetes is caused by problems with insulin.

What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition and it often affects people from a young age. If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes, your body’s immune system will attack the cells in your pancreas that produce diabetes. When these cells are destroyed, your body can no longer produce the insulin needed.

Type 2 diabetes typically develops over time and lifestyle choices often have a big impact on the condition. With Type 2 diabetes, the cells in your body can become resistant to insulin. As a result, the insulin is no longer as effective.

Which Type of Diabetes is Most Common in Children?

Children can suffer from both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, among kids and especially young kids, Type 1 diabetes is more common. As people age, the risk of Type 2 diabetes generally increases. Still, toddlers have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

If you live in or near Sacramento, CA and are fretting pediatric diabetes, visit Timberlake Pediatrics. Our doctors and staff would be happy to discuss diabetes and what you can do to protect your family from this serious condition.

What Are the Symptoms to Watch For?

With diabetes, symptoms include insatiable hunger, frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurry vision, hard-to-regulate energy levels, and mood swings. Children and adults suffering from diabetes may also lose weight without any effort, suffer from dry mouth, and might vomit frequently.

With Type 1 diabetes, the symptoms often set in quickly. With Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may appear more gradually and slowly, growing more severe over time.

How is Diabetes Treated?

If your child is suffering from diabetes, you need to speak with a medical professional right away. Diabetes is typically treated with insulin shots. With Type 2 diabetes, dieting and other lifestyle changes may also help.

Worried about pediatric diabetes and live in Sacramento, CA or nearby? Dial (916) 688-5040 and schedule an appointment at Timberlake Pediatrics.