Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a very common problem in adults as well as children. Diabetes in children, can be caused due to exposure to certain viruses and consumption of excess sugar.
How Diabetes Is Caused?
Generally, Diabetes is caused by the consumption of glucose by the body. Glucose, the main type of sugar in the blood, comes from the food we eat, and is the major source of energy needed for the functioning of the body. The food, we consume, is broken down into glucose and other nutrients. These are then absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, into the blood stream. The levels of glucose, elevates in the body and triggers the pancreas, to produce the insulin hormone and in turn release it into the bloodstream.
People affected by diabetes, do not have the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin properly. When the insulin hormone is impaired, the body has an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and an increased glucose level in the blood. As a result, the high blood sugar levels, can cause a number of health problems.
Types Of Diabetes In Children
There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, are responsible for the blood sugar levels, to become higher than normal.
Type 1 Diabetes In Children
Also called as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. This type of diabetes in children, occurs, when the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. Children affected by this type, have their pancreatic cells destroyed by their own immune system. As a result, the body loses its ability to produce insulin. When the pancreatic cells are destroyed, the pancreatic cells lose its ability to produce insulin again.
Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes In Children Are:
- Extreme weakness and tiredness
- Increased thirst leading to dehydration
- Increased urination
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Wounds that takes time to heal
- Irritability or unusual behavior
- Changes in, or loss of menstruation
- Extreme hunger
Signs To Look Out For Are:
- Weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Reduced blood pressure (falling below 90/60)
- Low body temperature (below the normal 97º F)
Children affected by type 1 diabetes, require lifelong treatment. They, generally, depend on daily insulin injections or an insulin pump to control their blood glucose levels. There is no treatment for type 1 diabetes. Experts suggest, following a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can keep the diabetes in control.
The type 1 diabetes, can usually affect at any age. But it is generally seen before the age of 40, and especially in childhood. As a parent, you should learn how to give injections, count the carbohydrates intake count and monitor blood sugar levels.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes, may include – anyone from the family history who has diabetes, and the presence of certain genes, increase the risk of developing diabetes. Other risk factors, may include exposure to certain viruses, low vitamin D levels, and other dietary factors.
Effects of Type 1 Diabetes Are:
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Nerve, kidney, eye and foot damage
- Skin problems
- Osteoporosis
Type 2 Diabetes In Children
Also called as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes in children, results when the body loses its ability to respond to insulin normally. Unlike, type1 diabetes, people affected by type 2 diabetes, can still produce insulin. But the insulin produced, will not be enough to meet the body’s requirements.
Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes In Children Are:
- Excess fatigue and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Slow-healing sores
- Darkened skin mostly in the armpits and neck
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in girls
- Unusual weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Itchy skin
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Children who are obese or overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or are not active, and do not eat well, are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In girls, PCOS, is often linked with this type 2 diabetes. Those affected by PCOS(R) often have irregular periods, might stop having periods, may develop excess facial and body hair growth. Additionally, PCOS may also cause fertility problems.
People with type 2 diabetes, are more likely to develop hypertension, the main cause of high blood pressure or abnormal levels of blood fats, which includes cholesterol and triglycerides.
Effects Of Type 2 Diabetes Are:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Eye problems
- Nerve damage
- Kidney and gum disease.
These effects may be shown generally, in adulthood, mainly in those who do not have a control in maintaining diabetes. Control of this type of diabetes, can be done, with proper diet and exercise.
Children affected by type 2 diabetes, should eat a healthy diet, to maintain a normal body weight. They should take part in physical activities regularly and monitor blood sugar levels.
Those affected by type 2 diabetes, should take insulin or other medicines, which may help the body, respond to insulin more effectively. You should even get monitored for any signs of complications and other health problems, which may affect people with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually appears in people above the age of 40.
By Supraja
