The cause of junvenile diabetes is unclear, but it is believed to results from an insult to a person whose immune system is genetically predisposed to develop an autoimmune response against molecules of the B cell. Obesity and eating excessive amounts of sugar is not a cause for this type of diabetes [1].
Treatments: The use of insulin is the number one treatment for juvenile diabetes. A child will have to learn to check their blood sugar levels several times a day. Once insulin shots have been introduced, then a successful diet and exercise will become part of the regimen [1].
Prognosis: Juvenile diabetes runs in families and that is why most families have more than one child affected with this condition. About 14 million children have this condition. Due to the type of the diabetes, a child will become insulin dependent throughout the rest of their life [1].
Family Interventions
The biggest affect for children that have this condition is getting accustomed to the daily insulin shots that they have to endure.
Infants: Give attention and stimulation by using musical/brightly colored toys. Teach the parent how to administer the insulin shot if the child is already diagnosed at this age [2].
Preschool: Provide medical play for the child showing in simplistic terms what is going to have to happen to them (shot of insulin, monitoring blood sugar). Prepare parents on how to administer the necessary tests to keep their child’s diabetes in check. Provide information to the sibling if they are information seekers [2].
School-Age: Prepare the child for the injections of the insulin. This is commonly done by practicing either on a Legacy doll or a orange that has a tough outer covering. Once they get comfortable in practicing it on something, they will master the skill and feel comfortable to administer it to themselves. Explain to them that they will need to monitor their levels even while at school, so that a well balanced diet is key [2].
Adolescents: Teach the adolescent how to monitor their blood sugar levels and give themselves shots. They may or may not want help in doing this test. Provide independence and privacy when they have mastered the skill. Provide support groups to them so that they feel that they are not doing this alone. Provide support and make sure that they are comfortable checking their levels in the school setting. Explain to them that a well balanced diet is key to help keep the levels to a normal reading [2].
Citations:
[1] MedlinePlus. 2008. Diabetes Type 1.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetestype1.html
[2] Live interview with childlife professionals.