Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes because it is most often diagnosed in young children. Type 1, as opposed to type 2 diabetes, is mostly triggered by genetic factors as opposed to lifestyle and frequently appears while children are still young. As in any case of this condition, it is supremely important to monitor and control glucose levels to keep the diabetic in a healthy state.
Why It's Crucial
In a non-diabetic, food is broken down into glucose that is used as energy by the cells. After a meal, the glucose levels in the blood rise, triggering the pancreas to produce insulin that is used to usher the glucose into the cells. In someone with juvenile diabetes, the pancreas does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin and the blood sugar levels remain overly high. This can lead to severe complications, such as kidney disease and nerve damage, if left untreated.
Ideal Glucose Levels
Since glucose levels in a diabetic must be artificially controlled, the diabetic is responsible for taking extra insulin and monitoring her blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association lists the ideal glucose levels for an individual who is controlling her diabetes, dependent on age: 100 to 180 mg/dL for children under age 6, 90 to 180 mg/dL for ages children 6 to 12, 90 to 130 mg/dL for children ages 13 to 19 years old, and 70 to 130 mg/dL for adults.
Checking Blood Glucose Levels
Checking your blood glucose levels is a fairly simple procedure and you may need to do it up to four times a day. There is a device called a glucometer that can read your levels. To use this device, you need to obtain a tiny blood sample, typically done by pricking the edge of your finger, and place it on a small strip. You then insert the strip into the glucometer, which can read it in under 1 minute.
Checking For Ketones
If the diabetic is not getting enough energy from glucose because it cannot get into the cells, the body will begin to break down extra fat and use it for energy instead, and that is why one of the symptoms of juvenile diabetes is rapid weight loss. When this happens, the acids from the fat, known as ketones, begin to build up in the body and checking their levels through urine samples is one way to manage diabetes.
