Grace | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

What is Juvenile Diabetes?

Read about the Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes.

Being diagnosed with any condition or disease can be very scary, especially when it happens to our children. Will the disease affect their ability to lead a normal teenage life? Will they struggle even more when they become adults? In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, which is also referred to as juvenile diabetes, the important and good news is that the condition is totally manageable. Here are some of the things you need to know about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment of juvenile diabetes.

What is Juvenile Diabetes?

Juvenile diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes) is an autoimmune disorder that is usually diagnosed in adolescence or childhood but can also occur in adults aged between 30 and 40 years. It’s a chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin and as a result, sugar starts building up in the bloodstream, which can cause a wide range of life-threatening complications. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin in order to prevent complications and live healthy lives.

Insulin is an important hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted into energy. Various factors including some viruses and genetics may contribute to juvenile diabetes.

Despite active scientific research, juvenile diabetes has no cure and treatment mainly focuses on diet and lifestyle and managing blood glucose levels using insulin to prevent complications.

According to recent studies, about 193,000 children and adolescents have diabetes; about 77 percent of those cases are Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes).

How Does Glucose Work?

After eating, the body breaks down food into various substances including glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. The pancreas is mainly responsible for producing insulin, which helps fat cells and muscles absorb glucose (sugar) and use it for energy.

In people with juvenile diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells that make insulin, reducing or stopping production. With little or no insulin to help cells absorb glucose, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to various health issues.

What a the Common Causes of Juvenile Diabetes?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes juvenile diabetes because it’s not linked to any specific gene that can be tested for. Although some autoimmune disorders tend to run in families, a large number of juvenile diabetes cases happen randomly. According to studies, some of the possible factors that contribute to the development of the condition include:

Geography and ethnicity: Juvenile is more common among people who live further away from the equator. Research shows that children and adolescents in Scandinavian countries generally have a higher risk of developing the condition. Caucasians of Northern Europe ancestry also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other ethnicities.
Infections and toxins: Researchers believe that in a large number of cases a virus or toxin triggers the start of juvenile diabetes by triggering the immune system to mistakenly attack beta cells in the pancreas.
Family history: Children from families with a history of autoimmune conditions are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. If a parent or sibling has juvenile diabetes, children are 15 times more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than people without a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Genetics: While there’s no specific Type 1 Diabetes gene, there are some mutations and genes that have been linked to an increased risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes. For instance, mutations in HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) class of genes can increase the risk of various autoimmune conditions, including juvenile diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes?

Although having these symptoms does not automatically mean your kid has juvenile diabetes, it’s critical to consult their pediatrician if you notice one or more of these symptoms.

Extreme thirst: Too much glucose in the bloodstream triggers the body to pull water from surrounding fat cells and tissue to dilute it. This makes some kids extremely thirsty and dehydrated. Kids with diabetes may feel that no matter how much water (and other fluids) they drink, their thirst can’t be quenched.
Frequent urination or having pee accidents: In a bid to reduce sugar in the bloodstream, the kidneys filter it and try to dump it into the urine. As a result, more pee is created and the need to urinate increases. Children with juvenile diabetes may start having frequent pee accidents both at night and during the day, despite having been potty-trained. Some kids with juvenile diabetes may feel the urge to urinate frequently. The risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections) is also higher in kids with juvenile diabetes.
Dry mouth and bad breath: When the body starts breaking stored fat for fuel, the process creates chemicals known as ketones that may cause children to have bad breath (stale smell). The same thing tends to happen to people who go on low-carb diets.
Weight loss: For children who are eating normally and are otherwise healthy, sudden weight loss could be a symptom of juvenile diabetes. This usually happens when the cells are not getting the glucose they need out of the bloodstream. As a result, they start breaking down muscles and storing fat for energy instead.
Fatigue and general weakness: Kids with juvenile diabetes may feel weak and tired because their body systems including the brain and muscles are not getting the energy they need to function optimally. Fatigue can also be a result of dehydration from peeing frequently. Sometimes, weakness and listlessness can be a sign of serious complications such as ketoacidosis, which can be deadly and requires immediate attention.
Vomiting, belly pain, confusion, and fainting: Ketoacidosis can cause vomiting, and severe stomach aches, and usually causes kids and young adults to lose consciousness or act confused.

What are the signs of an emergency with juvenile diabetes?

Belly pain
Fruity smell to the child’s breath
Confusion and shaking
Loss of consciousness (rare)
Rapid Breathing

Managing juvenile diabetes can be challenging for both parents and their kids. However, the growing number of support systems and treatments for people with the disease has made it easier than ever to live a happy normal life.

Read more about the signs and symptoms of diabetes in toddlers HERE!

Non Invasive Blood Glucose Monitor

Top 5 companies developing non-invasive glucose monitors in 2023

The successful development of a non-invasive glucose monitor that can accurately measure blood sugar levels for diabetics without the need to prick the skin has been in the works for decades.

Why wouldn’t diabetes patients flock to a device that can take blood sugar levels through saliva, sweat, or a wristband that uses radiofrequency technology?

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have been pushing forward CGM (noninvasive continuous glucose monitoring) space.

However, to date, it has been hope versus hype, as attempts to develop accurate non-invasive glucose monitors have failed. Yet, experts still have hope for the potential for non-invasive devices to soon become a reality in the next 5 years.

How does a non-invasive glucose monitor work?

There are systems being developed for home use as well as hospital and in-clinic use. Home systems are typically wearables whereas hospital systems will be tabletop or non-wearable systems.

Analysts categorize non-invasive glucose monitors by the type of technology used – mainly, various forms of spectroscopy, which helps identify chemicals according to the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and molecules.

Can I check my blood without pricking my finger?

Spectroscopy uses lasers and it does not prick the skin. Researchers have been studying this technique for decades with scientists from universities such as MIT finding that it can be used to produce accurate data on blood sugar levels. Although many barriers still exist, scientists predict that non-invasive glucose monitoring is poised for success in the near future.

Non-invasive glucose monitoring devices can be classified into three main categories:

NIO-GM (non-invasive optical glucose monitoring: Is designed to pass a type of radiation through vascular regions of the body.
NIFS-GM (non-invasive fluid sampling): These devices analyze fluid samples (saliva, urine, sweat, tears, etc.) that are collected non-invasively.
MI-GM (minimally invasive devices): Involves inserting a sensor just underneath the skin (in the subcutaneous layer), such as CGM devices that exist today.

Who is developing non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring devices?

Here are some tech companies currently making progress in the non-invasive CGM space:

1. Scanbo

Scanbo Non invasive glucose monitor — ‘Scanbo’ Non-invasive glucose monitor

At the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) In January 2022, Scanbo, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) company based in British Columbia gave a glance at their technology that uses a 60-second non-invasive finger measurement rather than the traditional finger prick.

Scanbo has created a prototype that uses a combination of a Photoplethysmogram (PPG) and a 3-lead ECG to measure blood volume. The device requires users to place their fingers on a white sensor and the device uses a combination of algorithms to provide insight into blood glucose values.

2. GWave

GWave, from Israel-based Hagar Technology, is a non-invasive glucose monitoring device that features a sensor placed inside a lightweight bracelet that detects glucose levels using radio frequencies.

The bracelet connects to a mobile app that displays readings and allows users to share data with their doctors. Hagar Technology received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) fast-track title in 2021 after receiving funding from a series of investors.

The company has reported that clinical trials for the GWave are in progress.

3. SugarBEAT

Nemaura Medical, a company based in the UK has developed SugarBEAT, a non-invasive glucose monitor that has already been approved for use in Europe. It is a small patch that attaches to the skin for up to 24 hours before requiring replacement. The peel-and-patch rectangular transmitter sends readings via Bluetooth to a companion mobile app every 5 minutes.

The device passes a non-perceptible electric current through the skin, which draws small amounts of glucose molecules into the patch attached to the skin. Selected molecules are drawn from the interstitial fluid just below the skin’s top layer.

Although Nemaura Medical had originally submitted SugarBeat to the FDA in 2019, the company was requested to resubmit it with additional data. Meanwhile, the company is launching proBeat in the US, an unregulated CGM version designed for people with type 2 diabetes.

4. Know Labs

KnowU and UBand Non invasive glucose monitoring — KnowU and UBand Bio-RFID non-invasive blood glucose monitors

Know Labs, a company based in Seattle, Washington is developing two non-invasive glucose monitoring devices that use Bio-RFIS (Body-Radio Frequency Identification) technology which measures molecular signatures in the blood using radio waves.

The company is developing a finger-scanning device as well as a wristband-style device that eliminates the hassle of having to prick the skin to get blood glucose readings.

UBand

UBand is a wristband-style device with an in-built biosensor that continuously monitors sugar levels. The device will send the readings to a smartphone app where users can view and analyze readings. The device will have a battery life of up to 7 days and is aimed at diabetes patients who are interested in continuous glucose monitoring.

KnowU

Just like traditional gingerstick glucose meters, Know you are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket. However, unlike traditional glucose monitors, it does not require test strips.

You simply need to scan the device over your palm to get readings that will be displayed on the device itself or transmitted wirelessly to a mobile phone app. This device is mainly aimed at people with diabetes who want a small, portable device that can be used to monitor glucose levels without the traditional finger pricks.

Read more on diabetic watches HERE!

5. DiaMonTech

DiaMonTech is a Germany-based company that has created a system that employs molecular spectroscopy to detect blood sugar molecules right through the skin. The company is currently working on 3 versions:

The D-Pocket, is a hand-held device that requires users to press their finger on the device to get a reading. The device is anticipated for 2023 or later
A D-sensor that can be embedded in fitness bands or watches, is not expected before 2024.
A shoebox-size system that is designed for hospital settings, and is currently available for use.

Other companies currently working on non-invasive glucose monitors include NovioSense, LifePlus, Afon Technology, Apple, and Samsung.

Read more on Diabetes Patches for Continuous blood glucose monitoring HERE!

The bottom line

These are just a few of the numerous biotechnology companies and startups seeking to develop non-invasive glucose monitors. Over the last several decades, we have advanced from measuring glucose levels in urine to fingersticks and blood testing to CGM.

Check out the article on the Dexcom CGM G6!

Although much has changed, the need for body fluids to take blood glucose measurements has remained constant. Fortunately, technology is rapidly improving, and while we may not yet have the most reliable non-invasive glucose monitors on the market, the puzzle could be completed in the next couple of years.

What are Diabetic Dog Treats?

We love our furry friends so much that they become part of our families. So we can be easily thrown into a loop when they are diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Although canine diabetes requires regular monitoring, this does not necessarily mean that they should miss out on living a long, healthy life.

Just like in humans, dogs with diabetes have insulin deficiency. Insulin is mainly responsible for regulating blood sugar. Therefore, even the best dog chews or dog treats with high levels of sugar are a no-no for dogs from diabetes. Diabetic dog treats are low in sugar and high in complex carbs which get absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Symptoms and treatment of canine diabetes

Symptoms of canine diabetes are typically the same as signs and symptoms of diabetes in humans. Some of the symptoms most pet parents notice are urinating more and drinking excessively. Other common symptoms include:

Recurrent infections
Increased appetite in some
Lethargic behavior
Cataracts

For effective treatment of canine diabetes, it is important that your pooch be put under the care of a veterinarian.

Their vet will provide a specific diet and treatment plan for your pet. In some cases, treatment for canine diabetes is as simple as changes in diet to limit sugar changes, while others may require insulin to be administered via injection or orally.

Treats for diabetic dogs

Vegetables and fruits are some of the best treats for diabetic dogs. However, it is essential to keep in mind that some fruits have high starch contents, and it’s best to offer fruit treats in moderation. Some of the best fruits you can offer your diabetic pooch are:

Raspberries
Pears
Blueberries
Strawberries
Apples

Vegetables are also a great choice mainly because they are low in calories and high in fiber.

Some of the best vegetable choices for your diabetic dog include:

Carrots
Cucumbers
Green beans
Cabbage
Lettuce
Zucchini
Spinach

It is best to stay away from some commercial diabetic dog treats as many include fillers such as corn syrup, soy and/or corn, and molasses or fructose, which are all high in sugar.

Homemade diabetic dog treats are often the best option and a great way to monitor exactly what your dog eats. If you’re planning to make diabetic dog treats at home you should opt for ingredients such as whole grain and oats. Moreover, you can consider adding chicken broth (low-sodium) to your dog’s food for some variety.

It is important to pay keen attention to the ingredients in your pooch’s food, especially if they have been diagnosed with diabetes. Although managing diabetes in dogs can be a challenge, monitoring his diet carefully while working closely with their vet regularly can go a long way in helping your pet live a long, healthy life, even with his condition.

If your pooch is overweight, your doctor may recommend losing some weight to help cells better absorb and use insulin.

Food is fuel for the body

Your dogs’ vet will examine your dog and determine the number of calories they need per day, depending on their activity level and weight. Once you know how many calories your pooch needs, it is vital to closely monitor what they consume and how much.

Most veterinarians recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet helps keep your dog feeling full and slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. On the other hand, a diet low in fat has fewer calories. Therefore, in addition to helping your pooch eat less, this diet can also help them lose weight.

It is also essential to make sure your dog drinks lots of water to replace the water used up by fiber and prevent problems such as constipation. Although most pooches do fine with diabetic dog treats and food that is available at the store, your veterinary may recommend a homemade diet or prescription dog food.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even the best diabetic dog treats and food will be of no help if your pooch does not eat it. Moreover, you shouldn’t administer insulin to a pooch on an empty stomach as it can easily make them sick or even lead to serious complications. Talk with your vet to understand why your dog isn’t eating.

Balance food and insulin

Timing is very important because the body is constantly processing insulin and food between injections and meals. In most cases, it’s recommended that you maintain a regular meal schedule of 2 to 3 meals per day, whereas insulin should be administered every 12 hours. However, you should consult your pooch’s pet about how to best establish the right schedule.

Regular exercise

Exercise helps lower your dog’s blood sugar levels and lose weight. Be sure to maintain a regular exercise schedule in terms of intensity and duration to prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low.

Although caring for a diabetic dog can seem daunting at first, the changes will gradually become ingrained in your daily life and you may even create a stronger bond with your pooch.

Check If You Have Diabetes At Home

How to do a self-check for diabetes

Home blood sugar monitoring shows the body’s effectiveness in processing glucose. Fortunately, you can easily and conveniently test your blood sugar in the comfort of your home using a home blood glucose monitor.

Home blood glucose test kits are designed to read glucose testing strips. The testing strips allow the kit to effectively determine the blood glucose level in a small drop of blood. You can get a sample of your blood by pricking your finger using a tiny needle or lancet.

For accurate blood sugar testing, it is recommended that you keep a log or record of the food you eat and keep an eye out for trends in your blood sugar readings. Whether the meals you are consuming are high or low in carbohydrates, higher than normal blood glucose readings after meals suggest that your body is not using up blood sugar effectively after meals.

Most glucose monitors have a different working mechanism and healthcare providers recommended that you read the test kit manual before use. However, in most cases, testing strips should only be inserted into the monitor just before readings.

The blood sugar testing process

Wash and dry your hands well before handling your test kit. Substances such as food can give you inaccurate readings.
Some testing methods advise cleaning the testing area with warm water and soap while others recommend using an alcohol swab. Either way, it’s essential to ensure that the testing area is clean and dry before testing.
Most glucose monitors recommend testing on less sensitive areas such as the arm. However, rapid changes in your blood sugar levels may not be accurately detected in less sensitive areas of the body. The best place to test for rapid blood sugar changes is the finger.
In case you’re testing on your finger, test on the side and test different fingers each time. Nowadays, most lancets allow users to set penetration depth and users with drier or thicker skin can set higher penetration in order to draw enough blood for the test.
Position your finger against a hard surface before lancing it. The lance should be applied firmly but without forcing it.
Hold the finger at chest level and squeeze it gently.
Allow one drop of blood to gently flow onto the testing strip and note the reading.
Record the reading after each test.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend alternative tests to measure HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). Although the procedure is typically the same, the readings will be different. This test is usually used to indicate blood sugar level trends over 2 to 3 months.

When should a blood sugar test be done?

Doctors usually recommend that blood sugar tests be done at 3 different times of the day for several days:

Morning fasting reading

A morning fasting reading helps provide information about your blood glucose before you drink or eat anything in the morning. Blood glucose readings taken before consuming anything helps provide a baseline number that offers clues about the body’s glucose processes throughout the day.

Before meals

Blood sugar levels before meals are typically low. Therefore, high blood sugar readings before meals may indicate problems regulating blood glucose.

After meals

Testing blood sugar levels after meals shows how your body is reacting to food. It can also help determine whether glucose is reaching the cells successfully. Post-meal blood glucose testing can help diagnose diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). It is recommended that post-meal testing be done about 2 hours after meals.

It is important to keep in mind that your doctor may have to personalize your glucose monitoring schedule according to your specific condition, needs, and goals.

Blood glucose readings for diabetics

Fasting test (morning test before a meal): 80 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter)
Before meals: 70 to 130 mg/dl
Two hours after a meal: Under 180 mg/dl
At bedtime: Below 120 mg/dl
HbA1c: 7% or lower

It is recommended that you get clear target blood sugar numbers from your doctor before you begin home testing. This is because target figures usually change over time and vary depending on a wide range of factors such as a person’s weight, age, and health.

Blood sugar levels for people who don’t have diabetes

Fasting test (morning test before a meal): Less than 100 mg/dl
Before meals: Below 110 mg/dl
Two hours after a meal: Below 140 mg/dl
At bedtime: Below 120 mg/dl
HbA1c: 5.7% or lower

Choosing a home blood glucose test kit

Testing strips, lancets, and a blood glucose monitor are all required for blood sugar tests. Some home testing kits require users to purchase each item separately, while others come as a complete package with all there.

Diabetics use several testing strips each day throughout their lives, and so it is essential to carefully consider all the tests associated with the model you intend to use.

Other tips include:

Choose a monitor with automatic coding. This helps you avoid the hassles of coding your monitor with each test.
Consult your health insurance provider to see which monitors are covered.
Check whether the monitor stores previous results.
Consider portability especially if you commute or travel a lot.
Consider the blood sample size required for tests, particularly if you don’t like pricking yourself.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

In some cases, people who have diabetes may not have any symptoms of the disease. However, this does not necessarily mean they don’t have the disease. Many of the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be the same particularly because both conditions affect the regulation of blood sugar in the body. These symptoms include:

Increased thirst and hunger
Unexplainable fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Increased urination
Slow-healing wounds and sores
High blood pressure
Blurred vision

The bottom-line

Diabetes cannot be diagnosed using home tests alone. If you notice any unusual readings, it is essential to see your doctor for further testing.

Your doctor might recommend fasting tests, HbA1c tests, oral glucose tolerance tests, or a combination of several different methods.

Juvenile Diabetes Cure

A practical cure for Juvenile diabetes focuses on results, not potential research pathways. However, any project that is likely to yield a practical cure for the condition is welcome. Although reversing juvenile diabetes would be an ideal outcome, a practical cure encompasses maintenance therapy and periodic treatment.

Therefore, a practical cure research project for the condition draws on a very wide range of possible research projects and pathways. Currently, there are 4 wide research projects in development that could deliver a practical cure. Even though each approach has the potential to yield a cure by itself, it’s also possible that a practical cure will require a combination of various elements from different research pathways. The 4 broad research projects are

1. Transplantation of Pancreas and Islet Cells

Several hundred islet cell transplants have already taken place and the success rate of the procedure has been steadily improving and could soon rival kidney transplantation’s success rate!

Such transplants usually depend on suppressing the system to prevent rejection. However, immune suppression has side effects that rival the complications of diabetes.

On the other hand, transplantation of islet cells requires solutions to protect the cells from attack by the immune system. The main approach to protect the islet cells has been encapsulating the cells in implantable devices that act as physical barriers between the immune attack and islet cells. Despite extensive research, various encapsulation methods have been tested with limited success

2. Biomechanical Devices that Mimic the Pancreas

Researchers are developing an artificial pancreas that combines an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and a computer that regulates the pump speed. A device incorporating a glucose sensor and an insulin pump is already being used by many diabetes patients around the globe, and this research field is progressing at a very fast pace.

One of the main problems is that most glucose sensors are not sufficiently sensitive, stable, and accurate. To deliver a practical cure, the device would require a closed-loop system that is reliable, stable, and adaptive to each patient. Also, studies suggest that a glucose sensor alone cannot regulate the pump in the absence of accurate information about calorie intake.

3. Glucose-Responsive Insulin

This pathway aims at developing “smart insulin” in the sense that the insulin is only activated in response to rises in glucose levels. The insulin would remain inactive until the chemical compounds around the insulin detect that blood glucose level has risen above a certain point in order for the smart insulin to kick in and bring blood glucose levels down.

The glucose-responsive insulin would become inactive once the blood glucose level reaches a normal point, thus preventing low blood sugar.

4. Modifying the Immune System

This pathway aims to stop the immune system from attacking beta cells. The three main approaches to modifying the immune system are:

Blocking

This is a direct way to stop juvenile diabetes by stopping the autoimmune attack without compromising the body’s ability to fight infection and disease. In order for this approach to provide a practical cure, the body needs to have sufficient residual beta cells that could multiply, mature, and produce enough insulin after the attack is stopped.

Balancing

Some scientists believe that type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system becomes unbalanced. This means either the body is producing very few regulatory T-cells (which keep killer T-cells in check) or too many killer T-cells (which fight disease and kill beta cells in T1D). Balancing involves an approach that aims at restoring the balance between regulatory T-cells and killer T-cells.

Retraining

This approach involves retraining the body’s immune system not to attack and kill beta cells. It may be possible to take immune system cells and retrain them not to attack islet cells, either by a mechanized approach that involves taking, treating, and reinserting immune system cells in the blood or by exposure therapy (periodic injections).

While juvenile diabetes can be effectively controlled, decades of extensive research have not yielded a permanent cure. An ideal cure for diabetes would be to get rid of the cause, but a more practical approach is to maintain normal blood sugar levels without the need for insulin injections.

Check here for the Recent advances in Diabetes Research!