Journal

“America reports higher prevalence of Juvenile Diabetes in recent years”

Juvenile diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes is an auto-immune physiological disorder characterized by the incidence of high level of blood glucose due to the increasingly slowing down of insulin production as well as insulin action in the human body.  

Some recent studies have observed that the incidence of Juvenile Diabetes is widespread in the US. An estimate shows about 35 American children, adolescents and other young adults (individuals aged under 20 years) are diagnosed of this form of diabetes every day. In 2007, about 0.2 % (186,300) individuals within this particular age- group is reported to have both types of diabetes . However, estimates of the prevalence of juvenile diabetes in undiagnosed individuals, adults as well as gender-wise, race and ethnic classifications are unavailable . In general, it is observed that out of an estimated 16 million population comprising both young and adults, approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients are ‘juvenile diabetic’.

The exact cause of Juvenile Diabetes in children is not known so far.  It is normally believed that this ‘complex trait’ of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) (commonly known as the Type I diabetes) may be triggered by disordered metabolism in children in the early days of growth and development and/or by persistent deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta cells. In addition, the prevalence of Juvenile Diabetes is found to be higher in children suffering from medical disorders like Polyuria and Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Juvenile diabetes is a threat to childhood. It may be genetic (inherited from diabetic siblings or family members), environmental and auto-immune as well.  The incidence of death in diabetic patients at this age is double when compared to individuals of similar age groups.
Various common risk factors delineated from several medical reports across the continent observe that Juvenile-onset Diabetes may lead to more complications, fatal diseases and physical impairments such as:

•    Heart attacks, peripheral vascular and arterial diseases and premature death
•    Diabetic Retinopathy or visual impairment or blindness
•    Increased Blood Pressure and hypertension
•    Diabetic nephropathy and Kidney failure
•    Atherosclerosis
•    Nervous System Diseases including carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in hands and feet, erectile dysfunction, and other related nervous ailments
•    Weak digestion abilities and Hyperlipidemia
•    Non- traumatic lower-limb amputations
•    Periodontal or gum diseases
•    Complication in pregnancy, spontaneous abortion and childbirth problems

Juvenile Diabetes often results in hypoglycemia in young girls and may heighten obesity. Some common psychological problems like transient adjustment disorders, manipulative behavior producing non-compliance and deliberate insulin over dosage or mission in diagnosed patients are also found in patients.

To date, Juvenile Diabetes is one of the major under-diagnosed common health problems in the country.  The incidence of this disease in children, teens and adults is ever-increasing over the recent years and may affect adulthood with the progression of diabetes, if not treated on time and effectively. Recently, Diabetes Research Foundation International has identified that a cross-country evaluation of individuals living with diabetes should be the highest priority for the health professionals, caregivers, autonomous health associations and the government to address this issue of staggering growth of diabetic population.  Focus on comprehensive diabetic care programs is essential while fighting the complex challenges.  Some valuable recommendations include

•    organizing proper health care within the school environment,
•    providing a collaborative environment among kids, parents, teachers, doctors and caregivers while identifying the severity of the problem,
•    assessment of diabetic patients and identifying individual needs for better control and management, and
•    planning open communication, participation and outreach programs to improve the quality of life among patients

Do not let the Juvenile Diabetes cause a national epidemic!