I would urge patients to do three things. Number one “ know the signs and symptoms, particularly the frequent urination and excessive thirst. Number two “ get help and if it ™s not diabetes, great. But if it is, treatment can begin immediately. And number three “ it ™s manageable. With appropriate guidance, diet and medication, a child with type 1 diabetes can do just about any age appropriate activity.

I have a patient, a young man, who was diagnosed with type 1 about four years ago as a high school freshman. He has done well in school, developing into a 6 ™4, 230 pound tight end without an ounce of fat on him. He just received a full ride to college for football. It didn ™t hold him back.

The take away message: If your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, don ™t feel guilty and don ™t overprotect. It ™s manageable.

Resources:

American Diabetes Association: diabetes/

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: jdrf/

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. Today, the physician members continue to focus on better health for all Pennsylvanians. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit the web site at www.pamedsoc or its patient website at www.myfamilywellness. The Institute for Good Medicine at PAMED can be found www.goodmedicine.