Diabetes is not only a disease that affects adults but can also occur in children. According to the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), diabetes cases in children have increased up to 70 times since 2010. One of the main causes is the lack of physical activity among children who are becoming increasingly dependent on gadgets.
In addition, other factors that trigger diabetes in children are high consumption of sugary foods and drinks. The government's policies that have not yet regulated sugar consumption in children also worsen the situation. Therefore, it is important for parents to pay attention to their children's eating patterns and lifestyle to avoid diabetes.
There are many factors that can trigger diabetes in children. Therefore, parents need to know the causes of diabetes in children in order to prevent and treat it quickly.
In this case, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle are highly recommended for children to avoid this health-threatening disease.
The increasing cases of diabetes in children are a serious concern for parents. One way to prevent it is by reducing the consumption of sugary foods and drinks in children. Additionally, it is also advisable to limit gadget usage and encourage children to be active. With a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is expected that the number of diabetes cases in children can be reduced and their health can be maintained.
Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Children: Symptoms and Types of the Disease that Need to Be Known
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that can also affect children. This condition has the potential to interfere with the growth and development of children if not properly addressed.
There are two types of diabetes that commonly occur in children, namely type-1 DM and type-2 DM. Type-1 DM is usually caused by genetic and autoimmune factors, while type-2 DM is related to an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity.
Generally, type-1 DM is the most common type of diabetes experienced by children. However, type-2 diabetes can also occur in children, especially if they have an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the symptoms and types of diabetes in children in order to provide appropriate treatment.
DM in children can affect their quality of life and growth, so it must be addressed immediately. The most common types of diabetes that occur in children are type-1 DM and type-2 DM.
Some Causes of Diabetes in Children
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. In children, the condition can affect growth and overall health. Here are some of the causes of diabetes in children:
1. Insufficient insulin production
The main cause of type 1 diabetes is insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. Although the exact cause is unknown, this condition occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Insulin is an important hormone that helps absorb glucose into the body's cells. If there is insufficient insulin production, blood sugar levels will increase, leading to diabetes. In children, this condition can affect growth and overall health, making appropriate management essential.
When the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs. This condition makes it difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to type 1 diabetes. Therefore, understanding the causes of type 1 diabetes is crucial to preventing and managing the condition in children.
2. Genetic and hereditary factors
Genetics is the primary cause of type 1 diabetes, which can be inherited from parents or family members with a history of diabetes. Some genes, such as HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4, are often associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases that cause diabetes.
When someone has a family history of diabetes, the risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes increases. Type 2 diabetes has a greater risk of being inherited, but the risk of type 1 diabetes cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is important to consider these risk factors in efforts to prevent and manage diabetes in children.
3. Race
In the United States, type 1 diabetes tends to affect children with white skin, which is related to genetic factors. However, other studies show that Japanese people of Asian race also have a high risk of diabetes because they have the HLA-DR9 gene. This factor highlights the importance of considering racial and genetic factors in the management of diabetes in children.
4. Viral infection
Certain viruses can trigger autoimmune damage to islet cells, which in turn causes insufficient insulin production. This condition can cause type 1 diabetes.
5. Obesity
Obesity in children can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because the presence of fat tissue among muscles and around the abdomen can trigger insulin resistance. As a result, the body requires more insulin to control blood sugar levels, leading to type 2 diabetes in obese children.
6. Poor eating habits
Unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. Consuming uncontrolled sweet foods and drinks can cause an increase in blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance. Not only sweet foods, but consumption of red meat or processed foods can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in children.
7. Lack of physical activity
Lack of physical activity in children can increase the risk of diabetes. Nowadays, many children prefer to spend their time in front of screens rather than being physically active.
Physical activity is crucial for burning calories and preventing the accumulation of fat in the body that can cause insulin resistance and diabetes. Therefore, it is important for parents to limit their children's gadget usage and encourage them to be more physically active.
8. Premature birth or low birth weight
Babies born with low birth weight or premature have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While genetics play a role in diabetes, lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns can also increase the risk of diabetes in children.
Therefore, it is important for parents to ensure that their children have a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food and regular exercise to prevent diabetes and improve overall health.
References:
- IDAI. Accessed 2023. Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents.
- Mayoclinic. Accessed 2023. Type 1 Diabetes in Children.
- Mayoclinic. Accessed 2023. Type 2 Diabetes in Children.
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