Children can develop Diabetes just like adults. The difference is that children are more likely to develop Type 1 or juvenile-onset diabetes. This type of diabetes develops during childhood, usually diagnosed before the age of 10.
But there are many reasons why a child could develop Diabetes. It could be because their body cannot produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Or it could be because they have another form of diabetes, such as Type 2 diabetes, which developed later in life.
Regardless, the risks are the same for a child who develops Diabetes: They’re more likely to require treatment and have worse outcomes than adults with the same condition. This article will explain what Diabetes is, its possible symptoms in children, and the types and risks involved with developing the disease.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) move from the blood into the cells, where it can be used as energy. When this process becomes impaired, it leads to high blood sugar levels and Diabetes.
2. Symptoms of Diabetes in Children
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are very different than those of Type 2. The most common symptom in children is excessive thirst and frequent urination, also known as polyuria. Children with Type 1 often have blurry vision, fatigue, and increased hunger.
They may also experience frequent infections due to their weakened immune system. These symptoms can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and nerve damage (neuropathy) if left untreated. Children with Type 2 diabetes may not experience any noticeable symptoms until they have developed severe complications such as kidney disease or blindness.
3. How common is Diabetes in children
According to statistics from the National Institute of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the number of children diagnosed with Diabetes had risen steadily since 1999, when only 3 million children were diagnosed. In the United States, nearly 1 in 11 people have Diabetes, and it is the leading cause of death among adults between the ages of 20 and 74.
4. Diabetes Treatment
There are three types of medications prescribed to treat diabetes, each with its side effects. Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin injections or using a pump called an insulin pump that delivers insulin through a thin tube inserted under the skin and connected to a reservoir under the skin.
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled after eating meals containing carbohydrates and proteins, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood glucose levels regularly. Children with Type 2 may be able to control their blood sugar levels without medication
if they follow these three steps: eating healthy foods, taking exercise breaks at least 30 minutes every 4 hours (including at night), and monitoring their weight daily using a scale that measures body mass index (BMI).
5. Possible complications for children who have Diabetes
While there are many different types of Diabetes, there are certain risks that all diabetics face regardless of what type they have: Kidney Disease makes it harder for your kidneys to remove excess fluid from your body because your kidneys need to work harder to filter waste products out of your circulation system.
Diabetes is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. Children need to get the proper medical care and treatment as soon as possible to minimize any complications that may arise from the disease. Let’s make the world a better place by helping to prevent Diabetes and improve the health of our planet.
Please contact ELM Pediatrics if you need assistance.