Type 1 Diabetes in Children — Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Diabetes in Children

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by a spike in blood glucose. It occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin or when the body cannot effectively utilise insulin, the hormone that helps utilise the glucose in the blood and convert it to energy in the cells of the body.

High blood sugar due to diabetes can damage the blood vessels and cause major complications over time. Diabetes can occur at any age; however, the type of diabetes that usually affects children is different from that which generally affects adults.

Let us find out which type is more prevalent in children!

Which Diabetes Type Is More Prevalent in Children?

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin required to control blood glucose. It can occur at any age, however, its occurrence peaks between 5-6 years and 11-13 years of age. Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes occurring in children.

In the case of type 2 diabetes, the body cells become resistant to insulin and do not respond as they should. The pancreas overproduces insulin to help control blood glucose. With time, as the pancreatic cells get worn out, it produces less and less insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. Although type 2 diabetes was rarely seen in children previously, its prevalence in children is now seen to be increasing.

In this article, we will be focusing on type 1 diabetes as it is common in children. So let us begin!

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes seem to appear suddenly and can be different for each child. The most common symptoms include: 

• Extreme hunger and thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Frequent urination (babies in diapers may need more diaper changes, toilet-trained children may start wetting their pants)
• Yeast infection in girls
• Fast and short breaths with a fruity smell
• Irritability and mood changes
• Weakness and fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Serious diaper rash that does not heal
• Significant weight loss in a short span of time.

On blood tests, high glucose in blood and urine are typically seen. Since certain symptoms of type 1 diabetes can resemble those of other health conditions like the flu, make sure you take your child to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s defence system starts attacking its own cells. In this case, the cells of the pancreas responsible for producing insulin are destroyed and the body cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose. The cause of this autoimmune condition is not yet known.

Some researchers think that a genetic component or viral infection may be responsible for the occurrence of type 1 diabetes.

Risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes

A child is at a greater risk of developing type 1 diabetes if he or she has any of these factors:

• Caucasian race
• Between 4-6 or 10-14 years of age

How Is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed in Children?

If you notice any symptoms of type 1 diabetes in your child, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The doctor will ask you about your child’s symptoms. You will also be requested for details of your child’s past medical history and hospitalisation records as well as the family’s health history. The doctor may perform a physical exam and order these blood tests:

• Fasting plasma glucose: Blood is tested to assess glucose levels 8 hours after not eating.
• Random plasma glucose: This test can be done at any time of the day to check for glucose levels in the blood.

Ways to Manage Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Children with type 1 diabetes need to be given synthetic insulin to control their blood sugar levels as their body is unable to produce it. Insulin can be given with the help of a pump or an injection. You can ask your healthcare provider to teach you how to use these tools to administer insulin.

Aside from insulin administration, type 1 diabetes management will also include:

• Dietary changes – Eating the right food items to effectively manage blood glucose levels. This includes timing the meals and tracking the quantity and quality of carbohydrates in the food.
• Physical activity – Regular exercise of moderate intensity can help manage blood glucose levels.
• Blood testing – Regular blood sugar monitoring to manage blood glucose.
• Urine testing – Regular urine testing can help detect ketone bodies that are produced when blood glucose levels are very high.

Your doctor may recommend more precautions and restrictions to manage your child’s condition.

It is natural for a child to experience stress after receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The changes in lifestyle that are required to be made, including glucose monitoring and insulin shots, could be too much for a young child to comprehend. However, as parents, you can help your child by treating him or her normally and including diabetes control in their everyday routine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, type 1 diabetes in children presents unique challenges and requires careful management. Early detection of symptoms is crucial to ensure timely intervention.

With proper guidance, insulin administration, dietary adjustments, regular monitoring, and physical activity, children with type 1 diabetes can lead fulfilling lives. Offering emotional support and incorporating diabetes management into their daily routine will help them cope and thrive despite the condition.