Type 1 diabetes in children
Diabetes is affecting adults and children alike all over the world. It is one of the most common diseases plaguing the human race. Type 1 diabetes is found in almost 90 to 95 percent of children and teens and every year more than thousand children are diagnosed with diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes which is a metabolic disorder, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. When the body develops a resistance to insulin and uses it improperly it leads to diabetes. As the glucose builds up in the blood it causes damage to the kidneys and other organs and may lead to more complications. When the body fails to absorb glucose it leaves the child feeling tired and exhausted all the time.
According to medical research increasing rate of obesity and low physical activity are the main reasons for the prevalence of diabetes in children. Moreover many children have a family history of diabetes, obesity, resistant to insulin and poor glycemic control. It is quite difficult to diagnose diabetes in children as children have few or no symptoms at all. To detect diabetes in children and for accurate diagnosis blood tests are needed.
Some of the common symptoms before the onset of diabetes are extreme thirst, weight loss, increased urination, tiredness, fatigue, increased appetite, headaches and stomach pains. These are warning signs that should be addressed to with timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Doctors usually prescribe diabetic vitamins and supplements to tide over complications. This should be followed by a change in lifestyle along with balanced diet and regular physical activity. Life becomes a struggle for a child suffering from type 1 diabetes. Children have to totally rely on their parents because they don’t understand the complications nor do they know when it is time for their next insulin shot.
Parents should teach their children suffering from diabetes how to take care of themselves properly. This would empower them to manage their lives when they grow older. This is very necessary otherwise they may end up having more complications. Periodic checking of sugar level is necessary to keep yourself informed about your child’s blood sugar level. If your child’s sugar level is between 70 to 150mg then you can assume that his/her sugar level is under control. Though a type1 diabetic child may find it hard to maintain this level yet with diligence and perseverance it can be made possible. If your child is successful in achieving this range or getting closer to it he/she would have to face fewer complications later on.
Compared to adults children are more active and therefore their sugar level should be checked more often. As children are more proactive they tend to burn more sugar which may result in low sugar (hypoglycemia) conditions. To tackle this condition they should keep supplies of candies or juices handy. Make your child aware of hypoglycemia symptoms like dizziness, nausea, shakiness, blurred vision, feeling faint, sweating, weakness and trouble in speaking. If diabetes is not taken care of properly it can lead to serious complications in your child.
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