HEALTH: Know more about Diabetes in Children

This article is reviewed by Dr. Ravi Kumar.

Throughout the world, incidences of diabetes are on the rise, and so is diabetes amongst children. Most children are affected by type 1 diabetes. However, the number of children and young adults affected by type 2 diabetes is beginning to rise.

TYPE  - 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes the most common form of diabetes in children: 90-95 per cent of under 16s with diabetes have this type.

Problems in Type 1 Diabetes:

• Increased urination

• Increased thirst

• Constant hunger

• Weight loss

• Blurred vision

• Feeling tired all the time 

Symptoms that are more typical for children include:

• Tummy pains

• Headaches

• Behaviour Problems

What is type 1 diabetes ?

In type 1 diabetes, a person’s pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but most often occurs in children, teens, and young adults.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed ?

Your doctor will use blood tests to diagnose diabetes. A blood glucose level above 125 mg/dL after fasting overnight or above 200 mg/dL after eating may indicate diabetes.

How is type 1 diabetes treated?

• People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep a normal level of glucose in the blood.

• A healthy diet, exercise, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels are also important to manage diabetes.

Problems if not treated:

When there is not enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, putting people at risk for serious health problems including:

• Diabetic keto acidosis

• Heart attacks and strokes

• Kidney problems

• Numbness and tingling in the feet

• Vision problems

TYPE  - 2 DIABETES IN YOUNG:

Problems of type 2 diabetes:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Increased hunger

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

Which children are at risk for type 2 diabetes?

• Being overweight

• Being physically inactive

• Having a family history of diabetes in a parent or sibling

• Being born to a mother who had gestational diabetes(Diabetes during pregnancy)

How is type 2 diabetes in children treated?

They  need to take medication to control blood glucose levels.
For some children, the disease can be managed with diet and exercise alone.
Insulin and some oral diabetes medications are used to control blood sugars.

Take care..

Have a Happy Health... Cheers!!!