Children's Mercy

Dispelling Diabetes Myths Wayne V. Moore, MD, PhD, CPI, Director, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes for Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, addresses some common misconceptions about diabetes. MYTH: DIABETES DOES NOT RUN IN OUR FAMILY, SO MY CHILD IS SAFE. Dr. Moore: If a parent has Type 2 diabetes, a child has about a 50 percent chance of developing it, too. However, about 80 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes have no family histor y of the disease. MYTH: CHILDREN ONLY GET TYPE 1 DIABETES, AND ADULTS ONLY GET TYPE 2 DIABETES. Dr. Moore: Both types of diabetes occur in children and adults, though special testing may be needed to determine the type. MYTH: ONLY MORBIDLY OBESE CHILDREN GET DIABETES. Dr. Moore: Though obesity does cause Type 2 diabetes to develop more quickly in people who are predisposed to the disease, slender people can develop diabetes, too. MYTH: DIABETES IS NOT A SERIOUS DISEASE. Dr. Moore: Chronic hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can lead to complications including blindness, renal (kidney) disease, heart disease, stroke and nerve problems. Good blood glucose control helps people with diabetes live long, productive, active lives. 6 Safe & Sound Summer 2013 MYTH: CHILDREN WITH DIABETES SHOULD AVOID CERTAIN ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS PLAYING SPORTS OR GOING ON OVERNIGHT CAMPING TRIPS. Dr. Moore: Kids with diabetes have the potential to be successful in any endeavor. Diabetes can control your life, or you can control it. MYTH: TAKING INSULIN IS ALL A PERSON CAN DO FOR DIABETES. Dr. Moore: Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with oral medications but may also require insulin, which is essential in Type 1 diabetes. Diet and exercise are key components for management of both types of diabetes. Controlling diabetes is not easy, but it is much easier than it was 10 years ago—and it will likely be easier in the future with new technology and discoveries. At Children's Mercy, we are actively involved in the research and development of improved treatments. Our doctors, nurses, certified diabetes educators, nutritionists, psychologists, social workers, clinical research coordinators and administrators are all committed to helping children successfully manage their condition. For people with diabetes, eating a proper diet is an important part of managing the disease. See our diabetes-friendly recipe on page 7. What's the Difference? In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that helps convert glucose from foods into energy. In Type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use it properly. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 95 percent of the 26 million Americans with diabetes have this form of the disease. Diabetes Team Programs Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics offer a variety of education and support programs for children with diabetes and their families. Whether your child is newly diagnosed, needs help adjusting to insulin, is considering an insulin pump or sensor, wants tips on healthy eating, or is a teen preparing to manage diabetes independently, the Children's Diabetes Center can help. To learn more, visit www.childrensmercy.org/ diabetesteamprograms.

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