Diabetes in Children: An Increasingly Common and Complex Issue

     Diabetes in children is becoming more common and is more complex than one might think. It's time to consolidate the key points regarding childhood diabetes and observe your child's symptoms before visiting a doctor for timely and appropriate treatment.

Understanding Diabetes in Children

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe complications such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Without proper long-term treatment, diabetes can cause damage to vital organs, including diabetic retinopathy and kidney dysfunction. Generally, diabetes is classified into two types:

• Type 1 Diabetes Typically diagnosed in children, it occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed, preventing the body from producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes Often associated with obesity and influenced by genetic factors and excessive consumption of carbohydrates and sugars, leading to insulin resistance. Approximately 50-75% of patients have a family history of diabetes.

What is Insulin?

     Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels for use in various body functions. Initially, diabetes patients may experience insulin resistance, meaning insulin does not work effectively, resulting in elevated insulin levels. This can lead to complications related to the liver and kidneys, and oral medications may not be effective. Consequently, insulin injections become a treatment option. However, excessive insulin can cause low blood sugar, leading to symptoms like sweating and fatigue.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Children

Signs of diabetes in children can include:

• Bedwetting, even in adolescents
• Increased urination
• Excessive thirst and increased fluid intake
• Increased appetite but weight loss, with some cases leading to obesity
• Dark, thick patches on the neck, armpits, and groin that do not rub off
• Skin infections
• Nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath developing after 2-3 weeks, due to acidosis

The Diagnosis

Upon noticing unusual symptoms, doctors will start by checking blood sugar levels using various methods:

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test After fasting for at least 8 hours, a blood sugar level greater than 126 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test After consuming 75 grams of glucose, if blood sugar levels remain above 200 mg/dL two hours later, there is a risk of diabetes.
• Hemoglobin A1C Test This test measures average blood sugar levels; a result exceeding 6.5% indicates diabetes.

Treatment Methods

     For patients with Type 1 diabetes, insulin administration is the standard treatment. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, doctors may start with oral medications, and in some cases, insulin may also be used.

Prevention Before Onset

     While Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in children can be mitigated through behavioral changes. Encouraging a balanced diet low in carbohydrates and sugars, along with regular exercise, can help reduce insulin resistance.