Diabetes doesn't mean children can't enjoy life: health professionals

Diabetes doesn't mean children can't enjoy life: health professionals

Regional News

Friday is World Diabetes Day
By: Chris Traber, Staff Writer

November is Diabetes Education Month and Friday is World Diabetes Day.

This year’s focus is on children and adolescents.

For many of the families who have a child, or children, diagnosed with diabetes, the future can seem very bleak.

Parents may view the condition as a barrier to achieving their dreams, preventing them from eating the foods they like, playing the sports and games they enjoy and generally changing the quality of their daily lives.

Nothing could be farther from the truth, York Region health professionals said.

Children with diabetes can live normal, healthy lives through proper management and understanding of the condition, Markham Stouffville Hospital pediatric diabetes clinic registered nurse Andrea Johnston said.

This month gives the medical community the opportunity to educate people about diabetes.

In simple terms, diabetes is the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, Ms Johnston said.

“It’s an autoimmune response when the body actually destroys the beta cells,” she said. “We need insulin to give our bodies energy from the food we eat.”

Both Type 1 and 2 diabetes are totally manageable illnesses.

“With Type 1, you need insulin daily, three time or more by needle or pump,” she said. “Type 2, usually a condition in adults, leaves the person with some working beta cells and can be managed with exercise and diet.”

Health care providers also want to bust myths and correct any misconceptions about the condition.

You can’t catch diabetes like a cold or flu and the condition is manageable,” Ms Johnston said.

“Another myth is that eating sugary candy will cause Type 1 diabetes,’ she said. “Another is that after diagnosis, a child can’t have sugary type foods.

The designated month is also an opportunity to celebrate Canadians who live with diabetes and maintain successful and fulfilled lifestyles.

“Ten per cent of those with diabetes are type one,” she said. “If you have diabetes your life goals can remain the same. It’s manageable. Many athletes and professionals have the condition.”

According to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2.46 million Canadians live with some form of diabetes.

In children, the warning signs and symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, dry lips and mouth, drowsiness and weight loss, Ms Johnston said.

Parents who suspect the condition in their kids should see their family doctor. A simple blood or urine test can detect diabetes.

The hospital will host its annual pediatric diabetes day Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:00.

Families impacted by diabetes and the public are welcome to attend, hear doctors, nurses, dietitians and a parent panel.

Activity programs are planned for 5 to 12 year olds. Registration is required.

“There’s no cure for diabetes, but it’s very manageable,” Ms Johnston said.

For information, visit www.diabetes.ca on line or call 416-363-3373. To register for the hospital’s pediatric day, call 905-472-7373, est. 6545

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