Childhood diabetes is a relatively common condition affecting young people the world over. While this disease should be treated as serious, there have been great advances in medical treatments to help young diabetics lead more normal, comfortable lives.

On average, 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. About 13,000 of these new cases are children. Broken down, that's 36 children every day that are diagnosed.

Kids With Type I Childhood Diabetes

Most diabetic children have Type I diabetes. Also known as "juvenile" or "childhood diabetes", this is a condition present at birth, in which the body does not produce insulin. Many people born with childhood diabetes are not diagnosed until their pre-or-early teens. Those born with the condition, including children, need to learn the proper treatment methods.

Warning Signs

A diabetic attack can happen suddenly, even when the disease has yet to be diagnosed. That's why it's so important that parents can recognize the warning signs. Without proper treatment, these attacks can have long-lasting consequences and, in extreme cases, may cause death.

Signs and symptoms of juvenile diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite or weight loss, sleepiness, labored breathing, sudden changes in vision and a sweet, fruity smell to the breath. Knowing the warning signs is the first step to saving a life.

Childhood diabetes is easily mistaken as other illnesses. Never assume, and seek immediate care if you notice that your child shows one or more of these symptoms. See your doctor and insist that your son or daughter be tested for diabetes.

The failure to diagnose childhood diabetes can result in terrible consequences. Of course, unless the condition runs in your family, you may not automatically identify the importance of knowing all the symptoms. Thirst, frequent urination,, and blood glucose levels are the three main symptoms of childhood diabetes to keep in mind at all times.

If your child seems unusually thirsty, makes frequent trips to the bathroom or shows both of these signs, his or her blood sugar may be high. Children that appear to be overly sleepy or lethargic, feel "clammy" or just seem "off" can benefit from a trip to the doctor for a simple blood or urine test.

Your pediatrician or family doctor can evaluate your child for other conditions as well, but it's essential to rule out the possibility of childhood diabetes. When the condition goes undiagnosed and an attack occurs, you and your child will be forced into dealing with an emergency situation.

Health Risks of Childhood Diabetes

A long list of potential health problems is brought to light when a child is diagnosed with diabetes. Low blood sugar levels may cause your child to suffer with vision problems, kidney and liver complications and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Persistent high blood sugar levels, on the other hand, may increase the possibility of infection (from tooth abscess to yeast infections), wounds that won't heal, gangrene from infected wounds and a host of other ailments. Some children may suffer from nerve damage to the extremities, particularly the feet. This results in intense pain and irreversible damage.

As you can see, childhood diabetes presents some very grown-up concerns. Ask your doctor to perform a blood screening. If your child is diagnosed, follow the treatment instructions carefully to help ensure the happy and healthy life that he or she deserves.