Diabetes was never considered a threat for children until recently. Even the diagnosis was not immediate. CDC figures show over 200k children under 20 suffer from diabetes and it is increasingly affecting their development. You may have come across a kid who always snacks up before sports or gets his shots daily prior to meals and keeps a check on his food. At this young age most children are unaware of the causes, symptoms and effects of diabetes on their lifestyle. More and more awareness campaigns are set up to help educate the parents and children to make kids aware of the prevailing condition. As early as middle school kids are found to be on insulin daily shots, and it affects their overall development.
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Diabetes is incurable and we can just prevent fatal effects and control it. For our easy understanding lets learn how and why diabetes can be a hazard. And how to teach basics to a child to prevent such effects
A simple way to learn what is diabetes:
1- The food that we eat has glucose which is absorbed by bloodstream
2- Pancreas make insulting to digest the glucose and provide energy
3- When there is no insulin or less insulin or insulin not acting on glucose, the blood continues to hold excessive glucose
4- This causes the blood sugar level to rise and cause diabetes
5- If the blood sugar level is not contained it can lead to fatal effects
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Symptoms of Diabetes in children:
1- Children urinate a lot
2- Stay thirsty most of the time
3- Get fatigued and feel tired all the time
4- Drastic weight loss
5- Uneven eating patterns
6- Dry mouth
7- Burred vision
8- Itchy skin and rashes
9- Poor healing of cuts and wounds
10- Breathing troubles and numbness in hands or feet
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Kinds of diabetes:
1- Type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes: It is an insulin dependent diabetes. In this insulin production is damaged and thus sugar is not digested. It can not be prevented and medication is needed. Episodes of low blood sugar are prominent
2- Type 2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes: It is a non-insulin dependent diabetes. Here the insulin can not be used in right way by the body. Thus insulin resistance occurs in the body. With this insulin defficiency is resulted in long run. It can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Low blood sugar episodes are not prominent.
Who are more prone to diabetes:
1- Diabetes is more prominent in overweight kids
2- Girls are more prone than boys
3- Indo-American, African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latinos are more affected
4- Hereditary causes
5- When they have insulin resistance
6- Improper lifestyle
Living with Type 1 diabetes in kids:
1- Check and monitor blood sugar levels and record everyday
2- Timely insulin shots must be administered: There are 4 kinds of insulin shots which are depending on the time and strength of insulin effects. Check with your healthcare provider for more specific details.
Further Read: Types of insulin for diabetes treatment.
3- Develop a healthy lifestyle, with balanced diet and fitness regime
4- Avoid junk and heavy foods
5- regular visits with endocrinologist
Living with Type 2 diabetes in kids:
In addition to the above , pills are given to help insulin balance in body. Also injectable drugs may be needed for more severe cases. They may also need Insulin sometimes, insulin pens or inhalers are also available for quick use.
Diabetes awareness in kids is extremely important as they may be prone and already suffering from the condition. The above points would help providing specific symptoms and treatments for their benefit. Check with your health care provider for more specific details. Diabetes must in no way hamper the self confidence and cause stress among children. There are ample iconic celebrities living with diabetes and it is as normal with the above caution. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Larry King, David Wells, Ben Coker and many more. Even athletes have the condition and continue to play and work, with a little extra caution. Take your children for diabetes camps and counseling for more insights and awareness.
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By Minu Manisha
