Coping with Diabetes in Childhood and Adolescence

Diabetes is one of the commonest chronic conditions of childhood, and is on the increase. It is estimated that globally more than 400,000 children aged 14 and under have diabetes; in England and Wales about 15 per 100,000 children develop diabetes each year, and in Scotland 25 per 100,000. More than 90 per cent of affected children have type 1 diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes is a trauma for a family. This book aims to help families through this and is aimed at parents, and at teenagers who want to know more about their condition. It could also be valuable for healthcare workers and teachers. It gives a detailed explanation of the control of blood sugar and diabetes, and how diabetes is monitored and controlled by means of diet and insulin.The subjects covered include: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and why they are both on the increase; causes including obesity-related, genetic and viral; diet for the child and family; lifestyle factors and staying well; types of insulin and their use in controlling diabetes; infants, toddlers and schoolchildren; teenagers and diabetes; and, diabetic emergencies and complications.