Type I diabetes, is a disease caused when the body either does not make enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin it makes correctly. Normally the pancreas, a gland in the body, produces insulin. Insulin drives glucose, or blood sugar, into body cells so it can do their job. The foods we eat make glucose. In Type I diabetes the body stops making insulin. Type I diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults less than thirty years old. It develops quickly, sometimes within days.

When the body stops making enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood instead of getting into the body cells. High blood glucose is called hyperglycemia. A child with hyperglycemia:
* feels thirsty and hungry most of the time,
* has to urinate often, and may start wetting the bed,
* feels weak and tired,
* has blurry vision, or
* unplanned weight loss.

Type I diabetes is controlled by taking insulin shots every day, eating healthy foods, and exercising. Blood glucose and urine glucose levels are monitored with self-testing kits. A person with diabetes needs to work with their healthcare provider to control the diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause many problems in the future such as heart or kidney disease, blindness, stroke, nerve damage, and poor blood flow. Uncontrolled diabetes may negatively affect a person's pregnancy and cause birth defects. Keeping diabetes under control reduces the risk of these problems. Management of diabetes is aided by keeping a daily diary that records:
* dose and time of insulin used,
* blood sugar levels,
* what exercise was done,
* type and amount of food eaten,
* any illnesses, and
* how the child feels.

Make sure that family, friends, and teachers know how to help your child with any problems that may arise. Medic Alert is a company that sells bracelets and necklaces identifying a person's medical condition. They can be reached by calling (800) 432-5378.

Classes and special summer camps can help you and your child. Call the American Diabetes Association at (800) 232-3472 to learn more.

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