Includes bibliographical references and index.

BODY & HEALTH. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and it is estimated that 21-30 million people in the United States alone have diabetes. Six million of them don't even know it! The disease is rapidly growing in other parts of the world as well, especially among children. If not treated, diabetes puts children at greater risk for heart attack and stroke, blindness, lower-limb amputation, kidney disease, and nerve damage as adults. And yet, this disease is both preventable and manageable. This enlightening book gives the straight facts on diabetes: how you get it, what its symptoms are, how you can reduce your chances of getting it, and how you can manage it once you have it. Kids & Diabetes explains how obesity and genetics play a role and also provides updated information on the most current treatment methods and research.