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Highs And Lows

An Inside Look at Teens and Diabetes

By Laura Cone

When it comes to the differences between Type I and Type II diabetes, "Type I diabetes is a whole other ball of wax," Dr. Kulze says. "It was traditionally the only one that occurred in children and teens. It's an autoimmune phenomena where the cells that make insulin have been destroyed, and if you don't have insulin, you can't get your blood glucose to your cells. They have to be given insulin. They are on shots or a pump. We do not know what leads to that medical condition. There is no known preventive strategy for avoiding Type I diabetes."

Cathy Tibbetts of Fairfax, Va., a registered nurse and president of the American Diabetes Association's health care and education board, says some of the signs of high blood glucose include extreme thirst, frequent urination and fatigue. If a teenager's blood glucose levels exceed 250, they need to check their urine for ketones. This can be done at home with strips that are available to the general public at local pharmacies. "The doctor should be contacted any time ketone levels are found to be moderate or large," she says. "Common symptoms of low blood glucose include hunger, sudden weakness or dizziness, fast heartbeat or a change in personality."

With Type II diabetes, parents may see dark pigmented patches around the teen's neck or armpits, a condition called acanthosis nigrans. Up to 75 percent of teens with insulin resistance will have the condition. "A lot of parents think it's dirty spots, but it's a compelling warning sign there may be Type II diabetes developing or already fully developed," Dr. Kulze says.

Dr. Kulze says many people with Type II diabetes will require oral medication, and all require exercise and dietary changes. They should also have their blood sugar monitored on a regular basis at school. Teenagers with Type II diabetes who are not on insulin, still need to have their blood sugar monitored regularly.

Want to see more?

• Keep Your Teens' Health in Check: Managing Chronic Illnesses in Adolescents
• Low-carb Diets and Teens: Nonsense or Common Sense?
• The Terrible Dangers of Childhood Obesity
• Talk about it!