What are the long term impacts if a child develops diabetes before age 15?

Answer 1

There are many long term effects of Diabetes as it effects your blood. As your blood travels all around your body, it can effect almost any and everything. Furring of the arteries is a common long term effect as over time it narrows your arteries. How much damage is done depends on how well you can manage your blood glucose levels. The effects of this are kidney problems, Diabetic Retinopathy (this is narrowing of the veins at the back of the eye which, if unchecked can cause blindness). Because your feet are the furthest away from your heart, the veins and arteries in your extremities (including your fingers) are usually affected first which can lead to the need for amputation in the worst cases. The risk Heart disease and stroke later on in life can be raised because of the factors mentioned above. You can also get problems with your stomach and bowels as the Pancreas produces enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Obviously, if the pancreas doesn't work, your body will find it harder to process them. Nerve damage can also occur throughout the body.

Remember though, these long term problems above are worse case scenarios. If you look after yourself, eat a good balanced diet, don't drink too much, don't smoke and keep a good control of you blood glucose levels, you can live a good, long life without too many problems. Look after yourself and you can escape with only minor damage to your health.