Allan Appel - Scripps Howard News Service
Type I diabetes is no joke.
It affects upwards of 1.7 million people, all children and young adults.
Essentially, diabetes is a disorder of the metabolic system. The key element is insulin, which is a hormone that enables cells to unlock the energy in food. With diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or our cells do not respond to the insulin present in our body.
It can be a killer. It can cause major health complications, including blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and even amputations. It is also a cause of nerve damage and birth defects in babies born to women with diabetes.
Type I diabetes was once known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
Unlike the much more prevalent type II diabetes, type I is not linked to obesity. The cause of type I diabetes is unknown and, consequently, so is any way to prevent it.
Part of our awareness should include recognition of its symptoms, which include: extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue or frequent infections of the skin or urinary tract. And any of them can develop suddenly - in a matter of days or weeks.
These symptoms can also mimic the flu, so blood and urine tests are necessary to pinpoint a diagnosis.
Victoria Peurrung has two childre, Joseph and Jennifer, who have type I diabeters, and has written a book, "Living With Juvenile Diabetes: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers."
Every aspect of caring for children with diabetes is covered in this easy-to-read guide, ranging from the diagnosis to to dealing with schools and camps to c hild care providers and exercise and nutrition. It includes tips for buying and cooking food, along with a chapter on recipes for traditional meals as well as shakes, smoothies, juice drinks and other "fun foods."
Her instruction sheets and handouts are meant to educate teachers, classmates and child care providers. They outline symptoms and how to deal with them. Contact phone numbers are also included.
Peurrung's book describes how to deal with this serious and potentially life-threatening illness and weave it into everyday life.
(Allan Appel writes a biweekly column about disabilities. He can be reached at Allan Appel, c/o Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, 800 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33458, or e-mail at aappel223(at)yahoo.com.)
Photo Copyright Getty
Images
Copyright Scripps Howard
News Service 2003
