Diabetes is a chronic (mainly) irreversible and lifetime condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Chronic condition, diabetes occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar from insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Diabetes can damage your heart, nerves and even vision for a certain time. Contrary to common belief, diabetes can occur in children and can start with extremely young years. But what are the symptoms of diabetes in children? Let’s find out …
What is diabetes in children?There are two main types of diabetes that can affect children:Type 1 diabetes: This occurs when the body’s immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar into cells that will be used for energy. Without insulin, sugar grows in the blood.Type 2 diabetes: This type occurs when the body does not use insulin properly. This is more often in adults, but children are increasingly unhealthy.Both types cause high blood sugar, which can lead to serious health problems if not treated.Common signs and symptoms of diabetes in childrenSymptoms of diabetes in children can develop rapidly, especially in type 1 diabetes. Sometimes the symptoms may be soft and go unnoticed, so it is important to watch.Frequent urinationOne of the first signs is that the child pee more often than usual. High blood sugar causes the kidneys to work more to remove excess sugar, leading to greater urine. This may mean that he wakes up several times at night to pee.Excessive thirstyDue to the frequent urination of the body loses a lot of water, causing the baby to feel very thirst. They can drink more water than usual and still thirst.Increased hunger, despite the fact that the child eats more, they can still feel hungry. This is because the cells of the body do not receive enough sugar for energy, so the brain signals to eat more.Weight lossDespite eating more, children with diabetes can lose weight. This is because the body begins to destroy the fat and the muscles for energy when it cannot properly use sugar.Fatigue and weaknessHigh blood sugar makes children feel tired and weak. They may have less energy for play, school or other activities.Blurred visionHigh blood sugar can lead to pulling out the fluid from the eye lenses, which affects the child’s ability to focus clearly.Slow healing of cuts and woundsDiabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections. Cuts or bruises may take longer to cure.Periodic infectionsChildren with diabetes can receive infections more often, especially yeast infections or urinary tract infections.Precautionary signs of serious condition: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)If diabetes is not diagnosed and treated early, children may develop a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This occurs when the body begins to destroy the fat too fast, creating harmful acids called ketones.
DKA symptoms include:Nausea and vomitingPain in the stomachRapid breathingFruit breathingConfusion or difficulty awakeDKA is an ambulance and requires immediate treatment.Diabetes management in childrenDiabetes management provides:Healthy eating: Balanced nutrition with controlled sugar and carbohydrate consumption.Regular physical activity: helps control blood sugar and maintain healthy weight.Medicines: Children with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections. Some type 2 diabetes may need medication.Blood sugar monitoring: Regular checks to keep blood sugar in a safe range.Education: Teaching children and families about diabetes management.
