Diabetes can lead to kidney disease

Type 1 Diabetes

Many of us know the term, juvenile diabetes also known as type 1 diabetes in children and teens. 


With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get into the cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much sugar stays in the blood. 

Younger and Younger

However, we are now seeing younger people develop type 2 diabetes also, known as adult-onset diabetes.  The major shift has a lot to do with the rise in obesity in young people coupled with a diet higher in fast foods than fresh food, and lack of exercise has created a problem for many of our children.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Having diabetes puts one at a higher probability rate of developing kidney disease.  Left untreated, additional kidney damage and or even worse, kidney failure can occur. It is paramount that those living with diabetes have kidney function regularly monitored. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that it has produced.

Child's family history

Children with a family history of diabetes, are overweight or suffer from obesity are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, those from Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or Asian backgrounds also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Lower the risk

To lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in children

  • Have them maintain a healthy weight
  • Be sure they are physically active
  • Have them eat smaller portions of healthy foods
  • Limit time with the TV, computer, and video

Young child with diabetics sensor for glucose monitoring.

Type 2 can lead to kidney failure if not kept under controlled and monitored

Type 2 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that it has produced.

Type 1 & Latent Autoimmune Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes includes latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), the term used to describe the small number of people with apparent type 2 diabetes who appear to have immune-mediated loss of pancreatic beta cells.

Staying vigilante

It is paramount those who are living with diabetes stay vigilant in their health.  Kidney testing must be performed each year to ensure no additional harm or permanent damage to the kidneys.

once a year urine test for microalbuminuria

This test shows microscopic amounts of protein found in the urine. This test detects the early stages of kidney disease and, with help from your doctor, you can help in-slowing kidney disease down with diet and medications.

Insulin Required

Children and teens with type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin. With type 2 diabetes diet and exercise can help in controlling the disease.  If not, the child will need to take oral diabetes medicines or insulin.

A1C Blood Test

A1C is a blood test for type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes  It measures the average blood glucose, or blood sugar, level over the past 3 months. Doctors may use the A1C alone or in combination with other diabetes tests to make a diagnosis.

Managing Diabetes

They also use the A1C to see how well you are managing your diabetes. This test is different from the blood sugar checks that people with diabetes do every day.


The A1C test result is given in percentages. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels have been:

  • A normal A1C level is below 5.7%
  • Pre-diabetes is between 5.7 to 6.4%. Having pre-diabetes is a risk factor for getting type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes may need retests every year.
  • Type 2 diabetes is above 6.5%
  • If you have diabetes, you should have the A1C test at least twice a year. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. If your A1C result is too high, you may need to change your diabetes care plan.

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