Diabetes in children is a chronic disease that requires knowledge about its causes, symptoms, and management. Read this article for more information.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body, but if the glucose levels are too high, it can lead to various health complications.
Diabetes doesn't only affect adults but also children. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2019, there were approximately 1.1 million children and adolescents under the age of 20 worldwide who had diabetes.
Diabetes in children can have a negative impact on their growth, development, and quality of life. Therefore, it is important for parents to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage diabetes in children.
Types of Diabetes in Children
There are two types of diabetes commonly experienced by children:
- Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. Type 1 diabetes usually appears from birth or at an early age and is the most common type of diabetes in children. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic and autoimmune factors.
- Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot effectively use insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adulthood but can also be experienced by children. Causes of type 2 diabetes include being overweight, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, family history, and ethnic factors.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Children
The symptoms of diabetes in children can vary depending on the type and severity of diabetes. However, there are some common symptoms that parents can recognize, including:
- - Excessive thirst
- - Frequent urination
- - Unexplained weight loss
- - Fatigue and easy tiredness
- - Constant hunger
- - Blurred vision
- - Slow-healing wounds
- - Skin infections or fungal infections
- - Breath odor resembling acetone
If your child experiences any of the above symptoms, it is important to take them to the doctor for examination and diagnosis. The doctor will perform a blood test to measure glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the blood. HbA1c represents the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
Managing Diabetes in Children
Diabetes in children cannot be cured, but it can be controlled through treatment and lifestyle changes. The goal is to maintain normal or near-normal blood glucose levels to prevent or delay diabetes complications.
Ways to manage diabetes in children include:
- Administering insulin as prescribed by the doctor:
Insulin is the primary treatment for type 1 diabetes and sometimes necessary for type 2 diabetes as well. Insulin must be injected regularly according to the prescribed dosage and schedule.
- Establishing a healthy and balanced diet:
A healthy and balanced diet can help control blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy weight. Children with diabetes should consume foods rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats while avoiding foods high in sugar, processed carbohydrates, saturated fats, and salt. The amount and timing of meals should also be adjusted according to the child's insulin needs and activities.
- Engaging in regular physical activity:
Physical activity helps the body utilize glucose as energy, thus lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Children with diabetes are encouraged to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activities for at least 60 minutes per day, such as cycling, swimming, running, or playing sports.
- Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels:
Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly: Monitoring blood glucose levels can help parents and children determine the effectiveness of treatment and lifestyle choices. Blood glucose levels can be measured using a device called a glucometer, which can be purchased at pharmacies or health stores. Normal blood glucose levels for children range between 70-180 mg/dL.
- Participating in diabetes education programs:
Diabetes education programs aim to provide knowledge, skills, and support to parents and children living with diabetes. These programs help parents and children understand the disease, how to manage it, and how to address any challenges that may arise due to diabetes.
Diabetes in children is a serious disease that requires special attention from parents. With proper treatment and healthy lifestyle changes, children with diabetes can lead normal and happy lives. If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes in your child, do not hesitate to consult with a doctor or nutritionist.
Complications of Diabetes in Children
If not well-controlled, diabetes in children can lead to various short-term and long-term complications. Some complications of diabetes in children include:
- Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood glucose levels drop below normal, which is less than 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can be caused by an overdose of insulin, inadequate food intake, or excessive exercise.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include trembling, sweating, dizziness, weakness, hunger, confusion, restlessness, or even fainting. If not promptly addressed, hypoglycemia can cause brain damage or death. To manage hypoglycemia, provide the child with quick-acting sources of sugar such as candy, honey, fruit juice, or glucose tablets.
- Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a condition where blood glucose levels rise above normal, which is more than 180 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia can be caused by insufficient insulin, excessive food intake, or stress.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, or breath odor resembling acetone. If not promptly addressed, hyperglycemia can lead to more serious conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS).
DKA and HHS are conditions in which the body produces an excess of ketones due to insulin deficiency, resulting in acidosis (decreased blood pH) and dehydration.
Symptoms of DKA and HHS include vomiting, rapid and deep breathing, chest pain, headache, seizures, coma, or even death. To manage DKA and HHS, administer insulin and intravenous fluids as instructed by a doctor.
- Long-term complications
Diabetes in children can also lead to long-term complications related to blood vessel and nerve damage due to prolonged high glucose levels.
Some long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), diabetic ulcers (foot ulcers), or amputation (removal of body parts).
To prevent long-term complications, it is important to maintain normal or near-normal blood glucose levels through treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, this brief article provides information about diabetes in children. We hope it is useful and enhances your understanding.
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