The International Diabetes Federation estimates that around 463 million people are living with diabetes globally. Of this number, approximately 74 million are under the age of 18.
Parents who have diabetic children can oftentimes feel overwhelmed and scared, and unsure of how to help their children.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of diabetes and possibly requires urgent care, please contact Night Lite Pediatrics directly for assistance. We offer juvenile diabetes treatment to Florida parents and children. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding juvenile diabetes.
What is juvenile diabetes?
Juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food we eat for energy or to store glucose for future use.
Without enough insulin, glucose cannot get into the body’s cells, so it builds up in the bloodstream. This high level of glucose in the blood, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Common causes of juvenile diabetes
The exact cause of juvenile diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed that people with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk. Certain viruses have also been known to trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes.
Other potential causes of juvenile diabetes include exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, and a lack of vitamin D.
Additionally, research has suggested that a diet high in processed foods and sugar may increase the risk of developing juvenile diabetes.
Symptoms of juvenile diabetes
Symptoms of juvenile diabetes can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Mood swings
- Bedwetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed
Risks / complications of juvenile diabetes
Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness. If blood sugar levels are not controlled, they can cause long-term damage to the body’s organs and lead to serious health problems.
People with diabetes also develop a condition called ketoacidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the blood due to high levels of ketones.
In addition to physical complications, diabetes can also have a significant impact on mental health. People with diabetes experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to managing diabetes daily.
Treatments for juvenile diabetes
Treating juvenile diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and insulin injections. Lifestyle changes include eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Medications are prescribed to help manage diabetes and blood sugar levels, while insulin injections or an insulin pump are used to help regulate glucose levels in the blood.
It is important to note that the treatment of juvenile diabetes is an ongoing process that requires the use of continuous glucose monitors and may require adjustments.
It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of medications and insulin injections and to discuss any concerns with your doctor. With proper diabetes management, individuals with juvenile diabetes can lead healthy and active lives.
Emotional and mental effects of juvenile diabetes
The emotional and mental effects of juvenile diabetes can be far-reaching and difficult to manage. For a young person living with Type 1 diabetes, the daily routine of managing their condition can be stressful, time-consuming and overwhelming.
Youth with diabetes often feel isolated and overwhelmed by their diagnosis, and this can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They may struggle to keep up with peers and risk feeling left out or different.
Managing the social, physical and emotional demands of diabetes can become a full-time job, and can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and embarrassment. The physical symptoms of diabetes, such as fatigue and poor concentration, can also make it difficult to participate in activities and can lead to poor academic performance.
Caregivers of young people with diabetes may also experience emotional and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Its important to seek out support from medical providers and support groups.
What is the cost of pediatric diabetes treatment?
The treatment costs for diabetes for kids will depend on a number of factors, including the cause, the required tests, the severity of the case and the decided-upon treatment plan.
We also accept most major medical health insurance policies and self-pay options.
Urgent Care near me for juvenile diabetes
Night Lite Pediatrics offers excellent juvenile diabetes treatment in Florida to our pediatric patients. Parents and families who are unsure as to what the best course of action is for their child or require support can contact us for assistance. We can also provide education on the management of this disease.
Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins and suggested arrival times. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:
- John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL
- Turkey Lake, Orlando, FL
- East Orlando, FL
- Apopka, FL
- Winter Garden, FL
- Kissimmee, FL
- Oviedo, FL
- Lake Mary, FL
- St. Cloud Kissimmee, FL
- West Melbourne, FL
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Mandarin Jacksonville, FL
- South Side Jacksonville, FL
How to book an appointment
- Contact us today via our website to schedule a time to be seen
- Telemedicine appointments
FAQs
Below you can find a list of common questions and answers regarding juvenile diabetes.
Due to the advancements in medicine and since the discovery of insulin, if patients have access to the best treatment, they can live a normal lifespan.
There is no cure for childhood diabetes; it does not go away. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.
Yes, juvenile diabetes is a serious and potentially dangerous illness for a child. If left untreated or unmanaged, juvenile diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, heart disease, stroke, vision loss, and even death.
It is important to work with your urgent care doctor to ensure that your child receives the necessary treatment to manage their diabetes and to monitor their health closely.
Diabetes educators provide education and support to people with diabetes and their families. They also help people with diabetes learn how to manage their condition and develop healthy living habits.
They may provide information about nutrition, exercise, medications, stress management, and other lifestyle modifications to help people with diabetes better manage their condition.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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from Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care