The number of U.S. children under age 19 living with Type 1 diabetes - where insulin needs to be injected to meet the body's needs - is about 123,000, according to the National Institutes of Health. Problems associated with treating this life-threatening chronic illness in young people are tremendous. They must be closely monitored - or monitor themselves - to avoid long-term damage to organs of the body: the eyes, kidneys and heart. A sudden drop of blood sugar can lead to hypoglycemic coma which may cause brain damage, even death.

On July 14 during Morning Edition, KMUW featured in-depth report on the challenges of dealing with diabetes in children. This report coincided with the KU School of Medicine, Wichita's Live & Learn Lecture, "Chronic Illness in Children: Dealing with Diabetes," presented by Richard A. Guthrie, MD, Dept. of Pediatrics. KMUW news director Sam Hendren also hosted a one-hour call-in program on the subject of diabetes.

Listen to the story Sam Hendren, Producer
Listen to the call-in Dr. Richard A. Guthrie, KU School of Medicine
Listen to the lecture Dr. Richard A. Guthrie, KU School of Medicine

Additional Web Resources:
Calculate your risk of diabetes with a short questionaire

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