Teens and Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. It is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated or poorly managed. Teens can develop either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong treatment with insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes is more common in adults, but it is becoming increasingly prevalent among teens due to rising rates of obesity and physical inactivity.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Teens

The symptoms of diabetes in teens may include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Fatigue or feeling weak
• Blurred vision
• Cuts or wounds that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Teens

The risk factors for developing diabetes in teens include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Obesity or being overweight
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Certain ethnicities, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian

Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes in Teens

Diabetes is typically diagnosed with a physical exam, medical history, and laboratory tests, such as:

• Fasting plasma glucose test
• Oral glucose tolerance test
• Hemoglobin A1c test

Treatment for diabetes in teens typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may include:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly

Medications for diabetes may include:

• Insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes
• Oral medications or insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes

Complications of Diabetes in Teens

If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney damage or failure
• Nerve damage or neuropathy
• Blindness or vision loss
• Amputations due to poor wound healing

Prevention of Diabetes in Teens

While there is no sure way to prevent type 1 diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This includes:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption