14th of November World Diabetes Day!

“DIABETES IN CHILDREN”

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different diseases, but they both affect the body’s use of insulin. Type 1 diabetes in children, previously called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Since insulin is not present, sugar cannot travel from the blood into the cells, and high blood sugar levels can result unless they are treated. Treatment involves lifelong insulin use and blood sugar monitoring, with diet and exercise management to help keep blood sugar levels within the target range.

Type 2 diabetes is less common in young children, but it can occur when insulin is not working properly, which then leads to a reduced production of insulin. As a result, glucose can accumulate in the bloodstream. The condition can often be managed through a change in diet, increasing exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, but sometimes medication, such as metformin, is needed.

CAUSES

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. But in most people 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. Genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role in this process.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children usually develop quickly, over a period of weeks. The symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination. A young, toilet-trained child might suddenly experience bed-wetting.
• Extreme hunger. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your child’s cells, your child’s muscles and organs lack energy. This triggers intense hunger.
• Weight loss. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, your child may lose weight — sometimes rapidly.
• Fatigue. Lack of sugar in your child’s cells might make him or her tired and lethargic.
• Irritability or behavior changes. In addition to mood problems, your child might suddenly have a decline in performance at school.
• Fruity-smelling breath. Burning fat instead of sugar produces certain substances (ketones) that can cause a fruity breath odor.
• Blurred vision. Your child might be unable to focus clearly.

PREVENTION

There’s currently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Children who have a high risk of developing type 1 diabetes can be tested for antibodies associated with the disorder. But the presence of these antibodies doesn’t make diabetes inevitable. And there’s currently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes if the antibodies are found.

Researchers are working on preventing type 1 diabetes in people who have a high risk of developing the disease. Other research focuses on preventing further destruction of the islet cells in people who are newly diagnosed.

While there’s nothing you could have done to prevent your child’s type 1 diabetes, you can help your child prevent its complications by:

• Helping your child maintain good blood sugar control as much as possible
• Teaching your child the importance of eating a healthy diet and participating in regular physical activity
• Scheduling regular visits with your child’s diabetes doctor and a yearly eye exam beginning no more than five years after the initial diabetes diagnosis.

Full article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/type-1-diabetes-inchildren/symptoms-causes/syc-20355306