It can be tough to be a kid. Growing pains can come in all shapes and sizes, from sibling rivalries and playground bullies, to growth spurts and acne. But of all the challenges kids face, none are as unforgiving as a severe medical condition.

Juvenile diabetes is a disease that hinders childhood and can also brutally change the shape of adulthood. Even healthy, active kids with juvenile diabetes must face this opponent every day of their lives. Juvenile diabetes can rob kids of their good health as they grow into adults. As a parent, you can take necessary steps today to help raise a healthier kid.

It’s easy to misunderstand and misinterpret the causes and symptoms of juvenile diabetes. Here are some facts that every parent must know:

The Basics

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that your child’s diabetes is not your fault, and you need to make sure that your child does not feel that he or she has brought about the disease. Popular to contrary belief, Type I or “juvenile” diabetes is not caused by childhood obesity or sugar overload. This is a genetic disease.

When kids have juvenile diabetes, the body creates an autoimmune response to pancreatic antigens, and these proteins will break down. The pancreas is responsible for delivering the insulin that breaks down glucose and converting the glucose into energy. Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from this form of diabetes in the United States alone.

Symptoms and Effects

Juvenile diabetes can cause a long list of medical problems including foot ulcers, digestive problems, possible kidney failure, difficulties with eyesight and even blindness. The symptoms of juvenile diabetes include blurred vision, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, extreme fatigue or lethargy, and a numbing or tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Should your child begin to experience one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician immediately.

Treatment

There is no way to prevent the cause of juvenile diabetes, but there are treatment methods available to help to control the disease and reduce your child’s discomfort. If your child is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, your first step is to find a diabetes clinic in your area. Insist on a doctor’s referral to see a physician specializing in juvenile diabetes. Your child’s specialist will prescribe insulin and speak to you about diet and exercise requirements. You’ll learn how to monitor your child’s glucose levels on a regular basis.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the medications are administered properly, and that your child eats the right types of food. You also need to be sure that your child stays healthy and active, as exercise will help to stave off any complications from this illness.

As a parent, of course you want to protect your child from harm and suffering. Unfortunately, there are some things are just out of our control. Juvenile diabetes is a genetic disease that cannot be prevented, but you can take some precautions.

See your doctor if you are concerned that your child may have juvenile diabetes. If anyone in your family has a history of diabetes, make sure that you know how to spot all of the signs and symptoms.

Parents need to take steps to keep our children healthy. If your child has juvenile diabetes, make sure that he or she gets plenty of exercise and make smart food choices. It’s the best way to ensure the healthy, carefree lifestyle that your child deserves.

Columnist Venus Enock contributes to several web magazines, on healthy eating and health diet fitness subjects.