Q. What are the different types of Diabetes?

A. There are four different type of Diabetes, namely Type 1 & 2, Gestational Diabetes and others such as LADA or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes, MODY.

Q. What is Juvenile Diabetes?

A. Juvenile diabetes is type 1 diabetes (T1D, insulin-dependent or juvenile). It is also known as IDDM - Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Q. When does Type 1 #Diabetes occurs? 

A. It occurs when the body own defense system (the immune system) attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Q. What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes? 

A. Symptoms are Sudden onset, weight loss, extreme thirst, excessive urination(day & night), excessive hunger, severe fatigue, tiredness, visual problems, leg pain, inability to concentrate in school which may further lead to respiratory distress, drowsiness and coma, if not treated early.

Q. What is the "honeymoon phase"? #Diabetes

 A. When insulin is started, the Beta cells which are still viable from immune damage start secreting insulin for a short while (3-6 months), thereby reducing the requirement of insulin dose. Often insulin is not required in the said period; hence it is called as Honeymoon Phase.

Q. Is type 1 diabetes hereditary?

A. Not really. It depends on how genes and environmental factors interact to determine a person's risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

It can be genetic, however it’s not hereditary. Type 1#Diabetes. Certain factors may result in developing diabetes type 1 in generations; however studies have shown that Type 1 is not transferred hereditarily.

 Q. How did my child get type 1 diabetes? We have no such family history.

A. In certain predisposed patients, environmental factors such as viral infections can cause Beta cell inflammation, which may lead to type 1 diabetes. Juvenile Diabetes is not hereditary.

Q. What foods should a person eat with type 1 diabetes?

A. The key is to have a diet which is consistent, balanced and allows adequate protein intake which assists in growth.

Q. What is the optimal blood sugar range for Type 1 Diabetes?

 A. It depends on Age of an individual. It is also dependent upon presence of diabetic complications in individuals. In Type 1 #Diabetes children less than 12 years of age, the Fasting blood sugar levels 120-140, Post Prandial blood sugar levels140-180, HbA1c upto 7% are acceptable.

Q. What is the optimal blood sugar range for Type II Diabetes?

 A. In type II Diabetes, for individuals less than 60 years of age Fasting Blood Sugar levels 100-120 & Post Prandial sugar levels 120-140 , HbA1C of 6 -6.5 is good control.

Q. Why do I have to take Insulin everyday?

A. Insulin lowers blood sugar/glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes patients are required to take insulin every day, as the body cannot produce it. May be in future different analogues may be available which are longer acting.

Q. Can juvenile diabetes be prevented? Is there a way we can prevent it from passing to the next generation?

A. Type 1#Diabetes - as of now there is no way to prevent it. It doesn't get passed on to the next generation. It can be genetic, however it’s not hereditary.  There is no way to prevent Type 1 Diabetes; however an early diagnosis helps in prevention of associated disorders and symptoms.

Q. What foods should a person with type 1 diabetes eat/avoid? 

It has to be a well balanced nutritious diet, considering the child's age, physical activity & growth.For this children generally require a higher quantity of proteins in diet. 

Q. Is it true that eating too much sweet food like chocolate etc cause diabetes?

 Too much of anything is bad for anyone. This doesn’t predispose you to Diabetes.

 Q. Is it common among Indian children?

A.  Type 1 Diabetes is uncommon amongst Indian populace, however recently an increasing incidence has been noted. It can occur in children as young as 6 months old. Type 2 Diabetes is commonly seen after the 3rd decade anytime.

 Q. At what age can you really tell if it is diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. It is most commonly seen within the age group of 8-18yrs. It can also occur in children as young as 6 months old. Type 2 Diabetes is commonly seen after the 3rd decade anytime.