Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by The Health Master
Type 1 diabetes in kids
With around 70 million people suffering from diabetes in the country, India is called the “diabetes capital of the world.”
Not just these alarming numbers, but the fact that the condition is even affecting the younger generation, makes it a matter of concern.
The increasing number of cases of diabetes among children is a rising concern in the country. While type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease, type 1 diabetes can even affect kids who are just a few months old.
Diabetes in kids is called juvenile diabetes. The condition often goes undiagnosed for a long time as the symptoms can be misinterpreted.
Another reason is the lack of awareness about the growing incidences of type 1 diabetes in children.
You might be surprised to learn that every year, 3% of 100,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Since we do not have a proper registry for type 1 diabetes in kids, it is highly likely that the number of cases is much higher than this.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
The beta cells in the pancreas make insulin, and in people suffering from type 1 diabetes, the beta cells are destroyed by their own immune systems, leading to insufficient insulin production and an increase in the blood sugar level.
Certain infections can also trigger the immune system to destroy the beta cells.
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Symptoms of type 1 diabetes in kids
In many cases, it can take months and years to detect the condition. The sad news is, if not detected and treated on time, the condition can be life-threatening.
4 Ts: The early symptoms of type 1 diabetes
Thirst – Increased thirst
Toilet – An increased urge to pee
Tiredness – Feeling fatigued despite eating healthy and exercising
Thinner – Losing weight
Two other common symptoms include irritability and increased hunger.
If these early symptoms are missed, children can develop a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, where ketones build up in the blood and make the child severely sick.
How to manage type 1 diabetes in kids
Managing type 1 diabetes needs a diabetologist, a nutritionist, a psychologist, and support from the family.
The goal is to keep blood sugar levels stable so that they do not become too high or too low, while also allowing the children to continue their activities safely.
Insulin is administered by injection and is required to manage the condition for the rest of one’s life. The dose of insulin is determined by:
– The current blood sugar level, which is checked every day using a glucometer.
– Keeping track of carbohydrates in the daily diet.
– Level of physical activity
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