Type 1 diabetes Its causes and Treatment
Type 1 Diabetes in children, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes is a chronic condition in which the child’s body produces little to no insulin. They need insulin to survive, so the lack of it is balanced through injections and insulin pumps.
Diabetes in children can be overwhelming because not only do they have to learn how to give injections, count carbohydrates, and check blood sugar levels, they are also dependent on insulin injections.
There is no cure for the condition. However, it can be managed.
What are the symptoms to look out for in Type 1 diabetes in children?
- Excessive thirst
- Peeing more often than normal, bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child
- Extreme hunger
- Unintentional weight loss
- Exhaustion
- Blurred vision
- Irritability or sudden behavioral changes
- Fruity, sweet-smelling breath
- Nausea or vomiting
Type 1 diabetes in kids is related to the pancreas not producing enough insulin. It is not like classic diabetes in adults which is associated with obesity. However, it can occur after the age of 10. Type 1 diabetes Its causes and Treatment
It is an auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system starts attacking insulin-producing cells. Insulin’s job is to move sugar from the bloodstream to the cells of the body. Once the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, the sugar builds up in the bloodstream when the food is digested which can cause life-threatening complications in the child’s body.
There is a risk of high blood pressure, damage to blood vessels can lead to poor vision, heart conditions and nerve damage and Osteoporosis in kids with Type 1 diabetes, if left untreated.
Antibodies associated with Type 1 diabetes can be found in kids long before the symptoms show up. But at present, there is no known way to prevent or slow down the disease. It is important to know that not everyone with these antibodies develops Type 1 diabetes.
How you can help them manage these symptoms?
- Educate them about the disease and what to do when experiencing such symptoms.
- Encourage them to make wise choices with their daily routine.
- Diabetes can affect their mental health. If your kid is persistently sad or pessimistic, and you notice sudden changes in sleeping and eating habits, etc. get them tested for depression.
- Teach your kid to maintain good sugar control and a healthy lifestyle along with the regular physical activity.
- Teach them how to monitor their blood sugar and inject insulin.
- Teach them the importance of lifelong diabetes care.
Diabetes can be managed with regular monitoring and check-ups. It is important that you help your kid maintain a healthy lifestyle and educate them so they can take care of themselves as well. Have a conversation with them and teach them what needs to be done so they can live a better life.
Our specialized team of Paediatricians at Bansal Global Hospital will help you with all the medical concerns and questions you have. Fix your appointment today and contact us at +919911062832.