The Juvenile Diabetes Crisis

The scourge of juvenile diabetes knows no geographic or socioeconomic boundaries. Every hour of every day, a young child is stricken with “Type 1” or “juvenile” diabetes, the most severe form of this life-limiting and life-shortening disease.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition wherein the pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone necessary to sustain life. Without insulin, blood sugar cannot be used, and the body is starved for energy. To stay alive, a child with diabetes must take multiple doses of insulin a day.

This world-wide epidemic exacts a harsh economic toll on society.
It is estimated that in the USA alone more than $100 billion in health care costs are expended on diabetes care and treatment. Diabetic children and their families face an even harsher toll.

Controlling the disease requires 24/7/365 vigilance and a grueling regimen. The diet must be carefully monitored with “carbs” counted at every meal and snack; blood sugar levels must be checked by lancing the fingers six or more times a day; and insulin must be injected more than half a dozen times each day just to stay alive.

Kids don’t outgrow Type 1 diabetes. Their insulin-dependence never ceases. They and their families live by the clock, day and night, for the rest of their lives.