Please help!?

Does anyone have experience with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes? My son's father's family has several with it and my 4 year old son is demonstrating some of the symtoms including bedwetting, weight loss, increased hunger and thirst...does anyone have experience with this? What were your child's symptoms and age? How did the testing work?

My daughter was experiencing bed wetting, increased thirst, using the restroom more often, hungry all the time. She was 6 1/2 yrs. old. You sound very concerned. Don't sit at home. Take your son to his doctor immediately. This chronic illness is nothing to play around with. The test is pretty simple. They will test his blood and you can find out within minutes. I pray he don't have it. It is one of the most challenging things I've every been through besides what your child goes through.

"Type 1 Diabetes - Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly, over a few days to weeks, and are caused by blood sugar levels rising above the normal range (hyperglycemia). Early symptoms may be overlooked, especially if the person has recently had an illness, such as influenza (flu). Early symptoms include:

* Frequent urination, which may be more noticeable at night. Some young children who have learned to use the toilet may start wetting the bed during naps or at night.
* Extreme thirst and a dry mouth.
* Weight loss.
* Increased hunger (possibly).

Sometimes the blood sugar level rises excessively before a person knows something is wrong. Because insulin is not available, the cells in the body are unable to get the sugar (glucose) they need for energy. The body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy. When fat is used for energy, ketones-or fatty acids-are produced and enter the bloodstream, causing the chemical imbalance diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are:

* Flushed, hot, dry skin.
* Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
* A strong, fruity breath odor (similar to nail polish remover or acetone).
* Rapid, deep breathing.
* Restlessness, drowsiness, difficulty waking up, confusion, or coma. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities."

Our son was diagnosed as probably having developed diabetes from the Coxackie B4 virus, which often hits in early or pre-adolescence. We had no history in our families. Now we have three: our sons (Type 1 at 11, Type 2 at 26) and my great-nephew, also at age 11-12.

"Coxsackie B4 virus is a virus which can trigger an autoimmune reaction which results in destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, which is one of several different etiologies of diabetes mellitus."

the symptoms greatly support the idea that your son has diabetes. i am the only person in my family to get type 1 and it came about when i had a flu virus aged 2.
dont worry about your son getting tested.no blood will be taken he will just need to provide a urine sample. as if eating sugar goes straight to the blood wheras it is different with urine.if the urine sample indicates ur son has diabetes then he will be required to give a blood sample which involves a simple prick to the finger and is virtually pain free.
i sugesst going to the doctor as too much sugar in the blood means that the cells cannot use it as energy so fat is rapidly broken down and this causes toxins which can be fatal.
dont worry about how diabetes will affect his life. the first few months may be hard to adjust but once i had turned into a teenager i had a new insulin regieme which allowed me to do what i want when i want and i could eat anything!!!!