Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Tips » Tips for Parents of Juvenile Diabetics to Prevent the Manifestation of Double Diabetes

Tips for Parents of Juvenile Diabetics to Prevent the Manifestation of Double Diabetes

Before we discuss the prevention of double diabetes in juvenile type 1 diabetes, we need to discuss what double diabetes is. Double diabetes is characterized by an individual has both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. It is often news to people that they are even at risk of having type 1 and type 2 diabetes, because one doesn’t normally associate one type with the other. Double diabetes, in children and adults, is also known as “hybrid diabetes,” and it happens when individuals have the manifestations of type i and type ii diabetes.

Double diabetes occurs when an individual has diabetes mellitus type 1 and manifests the characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Your diabetic child is at risk for double diabetes if he/she begins to gain weight. We usually do not associate weight gain with diabetes type 1; however, when it does happen the child is at risk of developing the characteristics of type 2 diabetes in conjunction with type 1.

Before we discuss how to prevent double diabetes from occurring, we need to discuss the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder; this disorder is manifested by your body’s immune system destroying the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes your immune system doesn’t recognize the cells and confuses them “unfriendly” invader cell. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, which means that your body’s cells no longer respond to insulin.

How can you, as a parent, protect your child from double diabetes?

Prevent Obesity:The most important thing you can do for your child is to manage your child’s weight. Children with juvenile diabetes type 1 can develop the characteristics of type 2 diabetes when they gain weight and become obese. You must prevent your child from becoming obese.

Insulin:It is important that you administer, or your child administers the correct dosage of insulin at the correct times of day to control his/her blood glucose level. Most children with double diabetes need multiple doses of short acting insulin per day to keep their diabetes in check.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol:Many children, who are obese are developing the signs of type 2 diabetes that are normally associated with middle aged adults, such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol. Therefore, you need to help manage your child’s diet to help control his/her blood pressure and cholesterol level. To avoid these complications your child should eat healthy foods in portion control, and live a healthier lifestyle. You can help your child achieve a healthy lifestyle, by living one yourself.

Hormones:Girls and young women with manifestations of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are prone to hormonal abnormalities, known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) an over production of androgens causing an imbalance between female and male hormones which can lead to abnormal menstrual cycles. A side effect of the hormonal imbalance causes excessive hair growth and acne, which can be quite distressing for girls and young women. There is no known way to prevent polycystic ovary syndrome, other than preventing obesity. It is believed to be caused by insulin resistance. PCOS seems to respond to some types of oral diabetes medication. It seems that the best treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome is to lose weight. The best way to reduce your daughter’s chances of developing this hormone imbalance is to watch your daughter’s diet to prevent obesity.

Double diabetes is a real health risk for juvenile diabetics; especially if children and teens do not get enough exercise, and don’t eat a healthy diet. Many diabetics and families of diabetics don’t realize the complexity of their disorder. It is a common belief among many people with diabetes that they can eat whatever they want to and their insulin injections will take care of it. Without proper education on the prevention and treatment of all forms of diabetes, a host of medical problems can arise.

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