Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Stresses Urgency Of Diabetes Warning Signs

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NEW YORK, March 3, 1998 -- Reports of the recent tragic death of a 10-year old New Jersey girl who died allegedly from an undiagnosed case of Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes last week prompts the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI) to alert parents to the warning signs of diabetes.

"Type 1 or juvenile diabetes is the second most prevalent chronic disease in childhood," said Robert A. Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Research, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International. "Type 1 diabetes clinically presents itself over a period of days to weeks, so it is important to know the warning signs."

Type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes occurs when a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin. Although the causes are not entirely known, scientists believe that the body's own defense system (the immune system) attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Because insulin is necessary for life, people with Type 1 diabetes must take one or more injections of insulin every day in order to metabolize their food.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms may occur suddenly and can include:

-- Frequent urination, in large quantities

-- Excessive thirst

-- Extreme hunger all the time

-- Sudden weight loss, for no apparent reason

-- Weakness, drowsiness, or exhaustion

-- Sudden vision change or blurred vision

-- Nausea and vomiting

-- Fruity odor to the breath

-- Rapid, hard breathing

"Parents should always consult a physician if they notice any of these symptoms, or have any questions. The diagnosis is not difficult in most instances," added Dr. Goldstein.

There are 15.7 million people in the United States with diabetes, and of the 10.3 million cases of diagnosed diabetes, nearly 1 million are Type 1, and the remainder have Type 2 diabetes. In this form of diabetes, the pancreas produces less insulin than normal, and the body is not able to use it effectively. As a result, blood glucose levels are not normal. It is estimated that another 5.4 million people have Type 2 diabetes, but have not yet been diagnosed.

Because insulin is not a cure, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI) was founded in 1970 by parents of children with diabetes who were convinced that diabetes could be cured through research. JDFI with chapters from coast to coast, and affiliates around the world provides more money to support diabetes research than any other non-profit, non-governmental health agency in the world. In 1998, the Foundation awarded $50 million to diabetes research worldwide, bringing the cumulative dollar commitment to $290 million.

To receive information about diabetes warning signs, or to become a member of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, call 1-800-JDF-CURE.

CONTACT: Vanessa McGowan of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 212-479-7530