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Symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes

What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes? I have a child who is extremely tired and thirsty all the time. Should I have him checked for diabetes?
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msr
Our 19 year old college son has had juvenile diabetes since he was 15 months.  We did a good job taking care of him while he lived at home.  Now that he is at college he is drinking lots of alchoal and I am concerned about how this will complicate his diabetes down the road.  He seems to crave all types of liquor and wine.  Are there any guildlines for drinking with diabetes?  It is my understanding that it should not be done at all.  Since we cannot be with him what can I do to make him understand the seriousness of drinking/diabetes.  He is already on an ace-inhibitor for some kidney problems.  My second question would be what type of damage does alchoal do to type 1 diabetes?  I am very concerned about him.  He has also gained a lot of weight at college.  It would mean a lot to me to have some guidance.  He claims that clear alchoal does not affect diabetics.
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Avatar universal
Dear msr,

I'm responding as a mother of a 27 year old son who has had type 1 diabetes for 19 years.  While I am not a physician and am speaking as a lay person, everything I have been told about alcohol and diabetes, alcohol, should be avoided.  Not only does it impair the ability to detect low bloodsugars, alcohol's primary ingredient is sugar. I have also dealt with this situation with my son.  Keeping open communication is so important, however because he is in college, I'm sure it's harder.  Is he far away?

In regards to "clear alcohol" being safe, alcohol is alcohol and he needs to understand this. If you feel he needs help, I would recommend, as a mom, to suggest counceling with either his physician or a diabetes nutritionist.  My son also found his bloodsugars whould rise and then drop rapidly.  While everyone is different, I have heard this from others also.

Take hope, as my son has gotten older, he takes great pride in being the designated driver. His true friends will be thankful.
I know at his age peer pressure can be very a very difficult thing to deal with, but he has to understand his health is more important, as you no doubt know.

I wish you and your son the very best and you will probably receive more comments.  Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Sincerely, dm
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Avatar universal
msr
Our 19 year old college son has had juvenile diabetes since he was 15 months.  We did a good job taking care of him while he lived at home.  Now that he is at college he is drinking lots of alchoal and I am concerned about how this will complicate his diabetes down the road.  He seems to crave all types of liquor and wine.  Are there any guildlines for drinking with diabetes?  It is my understanding that it should not be done at all.  Since we cannot be with him what can I do to make him understand the seriousness of drinking/diabetes.  He is already on an ace-inhibitor for some kidney problems.  My second question would be what type of damage does alchoal do to type 1 diabetes?  I am very concerned about him.  He has also gained a lot of weight at college.  It would mean a lot to me to have some guidance.  He claims that clear alchoal does not affect diabetics.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
msr
Our 19 year old college son has had juvenile diabetes since he was 15 months.  We did a good job taking care of him while he lived at home.  Now that he is at college he is drinking lots of alchoal and I am concerned about how this will complicate his diabetes down the road.  He seems to crave all types of liquor and wine.  Are there any guildlines for drinking with diabetes?  It is my understanding that it should not be done at all.  Since we cannot be with him what can I do to make him understand the seriousness of drinking/diabetes.  He is already on an ace-inhibitor for some kidney problems.  My second question would be what type of damage does alchoal do to type 1 diabetes?  I am very concerned about him.  He has also gained a lot of weight at college.  It would mean a lot to me to have some guidance.  He claims that clear alchoal does not affect diabetics.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello,
It sure is frightening when kids use alcohol, and college seems to be a setting where many kids experiment.

Technically, those of us with diabetes *can* find acceptable ways to include alcohol -- in moderation -- in our lifestyle.  Here's an excerpt from the JDRF website www.jdrf.org.  (I clicked on Life with Diabetes and then did a search on Alcohol; this was one of several "hits")

Myth: People with diabetes can never drink alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol contains calories but no nutrients. Adults with type 1 diabetes do not necessarily have to rule out drinking alcohol, but they should talk with their doctor or nutritionist about how it fits into their meal plan, and about alcohol's effects on the body. For example, if a person drinks alcohol on an empty stomach, it can make his or her blood glucose level fall too low.

From what you describe, your son would benefit from frank conversations with his endo and whatever you can do to encourage him to follow up would be great.  He is correct that clear alcohol has no carbohydrates to affect his blood sugar directly, but if he mixes alcohol with juice or sugary mixers, he'd need to account for that.  Beer has plenty of carbohydrates.  

Unfortunately, many college students "break out" during college even if they've been quite responsible prior.  To the extent that you & your son can communicate without it becoming overly emotional, you might be able to brainstorm with him on ways to enjoy college life, including some alcohol, while ensuring that the potential dangers do not become inevitable.  

Good luck;  I hope you'll post again with any progress.  Many can benefit from reading successful (and not so successful) ways to reach college age kids.

Just to comfort you a bit.  I've had Type 1 for nearly 35 years, including my college years which occurred before we could do home blood testing.  I'm sure I drank more than I should have sometimes.  I completed college and grad school and am now a college professor.  I do drink alcohol now, but it's been decades since I drank "more than I should." Your son can create a successful future for himself even with moderate alcohol in the picture.
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Avatar universal
Dear concernedteen,
Your symptoms maybe type 1 diabetes, however, I would recommend talking to your parents and making an appt. with your doctor.  Type 1 is very easy to diagnose. If it turns out that you do, please contact us. We have alot of resources that can help and  people are able to deal with this, including my son, who was diagnosed at eight. Please see a doctor a.s.a.p. just in case. Keep in touch and best of luck.  Please know we are working on a cure, thats our mission.
dm
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