Kids Health: Type I Diabetes - Is your child at risk??

Unlike Type II diabetes, type I tends to begin during childhood, most often between the ages 6 and 12 years, with a second peak age group being 17 to 20.

What Causes It?

Type I diabetes occurs when the immune system malfunctions and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Experts believe the root cause is genetic, but it maybe activated by an environmental factor, like a viral infection.

How Common Is It?

One in every 700 to 800 school age children develops type I diabetes, making it one of the top chronic childhood disease.

What Are The Symptoms?

Signs include excessive urination, constant thirst and weight loss. There may also be abdominal pain that’s mistaken for appendicitis. If it’s not diagnosed, the child may become seriously ill and fall into coma.

How Is It treated?

Children with type I diabetes produce little or no insulin, so they must get it from shots. A healthful diet is also key to successfully treating the disease, as are regular checkups to watch out for potential vision, nerve and cardiovascular problems.

Can Kids Get Type II Diabetes As Well?

A decade ago, experts would have answered no. But in recent years more and more children have been diagnosed with type II diabetes as a result of what doctors are calling “The McDonald’s Syndrome” – an abundance of fatty foods combined with too little activity. The good news: “If we can prevent childhood obesity,” says Holly Schachner, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at Naomie Berrie Diabetes Center in New York City, “we think we can prevent type II diabetes in kids.”

Foods That Fight Diabetes

Given the tremendous impact diet has on preventing and treating diabetes, it’s not surprising that specific nutrients and herbs can have a similar effect. Here’s what you should eat to fend off and beat the disease.

• Fiber. Often deficient in diabetic people. Sources: oat bran, nuts, seeds, peas, beans, apples and most vegetables.
• Vitamin C. Manufactures collagen, which is helpful for the bleeding gums and slow wound-healing that can occur with diabetes. Sources: citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes and dark green vegetables.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3). Has been shown to prevent the development of diabetes in animals. Sources: dark green vegetables, eggs, whole-grain cereals and breads.
• Biotin. Enhances the body’s ability to use insulin. Sources: green beans and dark green vegetables.
• Vitamin B6. Aids in the absorption and metabolism of proteins. Sources: whole-grain bread, avocados, spinach and green beans.
• Vitamin B12. Deficiency can cause numbness of the feet, a problem to which diabetics are prone. Sources: eggs, milk and yeast.
• Onions and Garlic. Have been shown to lower blood sugar levels.
• Bilberry. Helps with diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems associated with the disease.
• Ginseng. Has shown some effect on lowering blood sugars.

Reference: Vegetarian Times, by Lana Dvorkin, Pharm. D.