Home | Childhood Diabetes

While TYPE two diabetes is on a fast rise in our world today, much of the problem stems from sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits.  Eating fruits and vegetables, avoiding refined sugars and fried food, and regular exercise can greatly curb the onslaught of this problem.  Type two diabetes is manageable and in many cases it is preventable.   .

 

By contrast, childhood, or TYPE 1 diabetes is a disease which occurs when the bodies own immune system attacks cells contained within the pancreas which produce insulin.   Insulin helps cells in the body metabolize glucose, the sugar which is used for energy.  Without insulin, the glucose remains in the blood, rather than entering the cells, and becomes toxic.   TYPE 1 diabetes occurs in spite of a healthy lifestyle and is primarily linked to hereditary factors.  My own family has been touched several times by childhood diabetes.  The good news is that research and new technology continues to improve the lives and long term prognosis for those with diabetes.  With further research and a committment to this cause we CAN find a cure.

 

Finally, it should be noted that there are children all over the world who cannot afford regular insulin treatments that are maintaining the lives of those living in developed countries.  For as little as $1 per day, you can help support a child who has diabetes in a third world country.