Juvenile diabetes mellitus is more commonly called Type 1 diabetes. It is a metabolic syndrome and blood glucose levels too high due to a deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreas.

Juvenile Diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune disease. There is also a strong hereditary component to juvenile diabetes. Researchers believe an environmental trigger or virus causes the body to attack the beta cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed the body can not produce insulin.

Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, end stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputation. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. When the blood sugar level is high and constant that leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are four times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses.

Rapid weight loss is one of the first symptoms of diabetes, especially if the child has also increased hunger, especially after eating. Other symptoms include frequent urination, dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision and numbness or tingling in hands or feet.