Diabetes in Children: Learn to Fight Back!
Candies and children have shared a long bond and why would they not, after all it is the sweetness that characterises the both!
But sometimes, unfortunately enough, this bond gets shaken and the kid along with his parents has to suddenly step up to another world; a world of regulating and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in India.
It is a challenging situation to manage and it becomes all the more daunting when it attacks a young one. The disease has had a long history of making adult men and women its targets but to much of our concern now, children are also at a great risk.
Finding out that your child has diabetes can be disturbing but it is possible to live a healthy and long life if managed properly.
Keep reading to learn about Diabetes in children, its early symptoms and how you can help your child effectively deal with the disease.
Overview
Worldwide, most common type of diabetes in children is Type 1 but nowadays type 2 is also becoming prevalent.
According to Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia “Diabetes rarely makes headlines, yet it will be the world’s seventh largest killer by 2030 unless intense efforts are made by governments, communities and individuals”.
Although Diabetes can affect a child at any age, Type 1 typically manifests between 4-6 years of age whereas Type 2 typically shows up after puberty with the peak age between 15-19 years.
Early Signs
The earlier the diagnosis of Diabetes in children happens, the easier it becomes to combat the difficult disease.
Look out carefully and get in touch with a medical expert if you find your child exhibiting any of the following symptoms.
Type 1
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Increased Urination
- Unnatural fatigue
- Fruity breath odour
- Unexplained weight loss
Type 2
- Unexpected weight loss
- Foot pain and numbness
- Frequent infections and feminine health issues
- Blurred Vision
Causes
We don’t yet know the exact cause of diabetes type 1.
But in most people affected with type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas.
Insulin is responsible for moving sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream to the body’s cells. Sugar enters the bloodstream when food is digested.
Once the islet cells of the pancreas are obliterated, your child produces little or no insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in your child’s bloodstream, where it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Genetics and environmental factors are likely to play a role in this process.
Treatment
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is for life time and includes blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, healthy eating and regular exercise. As your child grows and changes, so will his or her diabetes treatment regimen.
Managing your child’s diabetes might seem overwhelming, it is better to take it one day at a time. Some days you’ll manage your child’s blood sugar perfectly and on other days, it may seem as if nothing is going right. Remember that you’re not alone.
You’ll work thoroughly with your child’s diabetes treatment team — doctor, diabetes educator and dietitian — to keep your child’s blood sugar level as close to normal as possible.
Prevention
There’s presently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
While there’s nothing you could have done to prevent your child from type 1 diabetes, you can certainly help your child prevent its complications by:
- Helping your child maintain normal blood sugar as much as possible
- Teaching your child the importance of lifelong diabetes management through healthy eating and physically fitness
- Scheduling regular sessions with your child’s diabetes doctor and a annual eye examination
Diabetes in children requires consistent care and full family support along with persistent medical supervision. Don’t delay and get a regimented plan from Magna Code for your child’s diabetes management. We care for your happiness!
