Nov 12, 2002 2 min read

When Victoria Peurrung’s young son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, she had hardly even heard of the disease. Sixteen months later, her daughter also developed diabetes. She quickly learned how to care for them and help them learn to manage their disease while growing up like any active youngsters. In her book, “Living With Juvenile Diabetes” (Hatherleigh Press, 2001), Victoria Peurrung provides practical guidance to parents and others who care for children with diabetes, based on what she has learned through research and her own experiences.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which the body either cannot produce insulin – the hormone that lets cells unlock the energy in our food – or the cells do not respond to the insulin present. Left untreated, diabetics can develop problems that affect circulation, vision and systems throughout the body.

“Often, the onset of diabetes is so rapid that the person has little warning – usually just a few days or weeks. Sometimes diabetes is hard to recognize because the symptoms are similar to those of the flu,” Peurrung said. Treatment needs to start immediately so she reminds parents to watch for the following symptoms:

– Frequent urination

– Extreme thirst and increased drinking

– Irritability – the person cries for no reason, is cranky, angry, demanding or exhibits other out-of-character behavior

– Weight-loss

– Fatigue – the person doesn’t seem to want to do much and appears weak

– Sometimes, increased appetite followed by loss of appetite

– Nausea, vomiting

– Infections such as a yeast infection or boils on the skin

– Frequent bladder infections

– Blurred vision

If a child experiences any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Blood and urine tests will help determine if the problem is diabetes or another disorder.