Symptoms of diabetes in children: How to recognize them and deal with them?
Symptoms of diabetes in children
Diabetes, or diabetes, is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when cells do not respond to insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells to be used as an energy source. When there is a deficiency or lack of response to insulin, the blood glucose level rises and causes various health problems
Juvenile diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects children and adolescents
. It is divided into two main types: Type I and Type II. Type 1 is most common among children and occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Type 2 is less common in children and occurs when cells lose their sensitivity to insulin or when insulin production is insufficient. Both types require lifelong treatment and periodic medical follow-up.
How do you recognize the symptoms of diabetes in your child?
Common symptoms of diabetes in children include:
Excessive thirst and dehydration
Frequent and frequent urination
Extreme hunger and weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Skin, mouth and urinary tract infections
Blurry vision
Changes in mood and behavior
Rare symptoms of diabetes in children include:
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
A condition called ketosis, which is the accumulation of toxic substances in the blood as a result of the lack of insulin
A condition called diabetic coma, which is a loss of consciousness due to a severe increase in the level of glucose in the blood
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should immediately consult a doctor to diagnose the condition and begin appropriate treatment.
What are the causes of diabetes in children and how can it be prevented?
The exact causes of diabetes in children have not been determined, but there are some factors that increase the risk of developing it. These factors include
Genetics: If a child has a parent or first-degree relative with diabetes, he or she is more likely to develop it
the environment
If a child lives in a polluted environment or is exposed to viruses, bacteria, or chemicals that may affect the function of the pancreas or the immune system, it is more likely
Food: If the child eats an unhealthy or unbalanced diet that contains large amounts of sugars, fats, starches, or calories, then he
Prone to diabetes
If a child suffers from pressure, tension, anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders, he or she is more likely to develop diabetes.
To prevent diabetes in children, some simple and effective measures must be followed, such as:
Early detection: Periodic blood glucose level checks should be done for the child, especially if he has risk factors. This helps in diagnosing the condition early and starting appropriate treatment.
Healthy food
The child must be provided with a healthy and balanced diet that contains sufficient amounts of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. Foods rich in sugars, fats, starches, or excess calories should be avoided.
Physical activity
The child should be encouraged to exercise, play sports or physical activities regularly, for at least 30 minutes a day
Complications and treatment of diabetes in children
High blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of cardiovascular disease
Damage to nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and extremities, and the risk of blindness, kidney failure, and diabetic foot
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may cause dizziness, sweating, confusion, convulsions, and coma
High blood acid (diabetic acidosis), which may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, malaise, and coma
Infection and inflammation due to a weak immune system and difficulty healing wounds
To treat diabetes in children, you must follow a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:
Inject insulin daily or use an insulin pump to regulate blood glucose levels
Monitor your blood glucose level regularly using a glucometer or continuous monitor
Follow a healthy, balanced diet that contains specified amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber and water
Do sports or physical activities regularly and with the approval of your doctor
Commitment to medical appointments, periodic examinations and necessary vaccinations
Learn about diabetes and how to deal with emergency situations and potential complications
Useful tips and advice for caring for a child with diabetes
Accept the condition and encourage the child to be positive, confident in himself, and not feel guilty, ashamed, or isolated
Providing a safe, comfortable, loving and encouraging environment for the child and helping him adapt to the changes in his life
Teaching the child about his illness, how to control it, and cooperating with him in making decisions related to treatment, nutrition, and exercise
Encouraging the child to participate in normal and enjoyable activities with his peers, family, and teachers, and not preventing him from playing, traveling, or studying
Providing emotional and moral support to the child, listening to his feelings and fears, and meeting his psychological and social needs
Searching for reliable and updated sources of information and guidance about diabetes in children and benefiting from the experiences and advice of doctors, nurses, counselors and specialized organizations.
Health education and diabetes awareness in children
It is a process that aims to increase knowledge, understanding, skills and positive attitudes among children, families and communities surrounding them about diabetes and how to control it and live with it. This process helps reduce the misconception, fear, discrimination and marginalization associated with diabetes and increases acceptance, support and solidarity with those affected by it.
The importance of health education and diabetes awareness in children is evident in
Improving prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment of diabetes in children and reducing health complications resulting from it
Improving the quality of life of children with diabetes and enabling them to benefit from their rights
