Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes among children

 

In earlier times, chronic diseases predominantly affected the older generation. However, it is no longer so due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating patterns, stress, genetic factors, and obesity. Many health issues are affecting the youth and children depriving them of a normal life. Diabetesin children is one such problem that is a cause of huge concern currently. It is mainly of two types -Type1 Diabetes and Type2 Diabetes.                    

Until recently, children and teens were mostly affected by Type 1 diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes. In this disorder, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin hormone thereby raising the blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, of late, infants and youngsters are also having Type 2 diabetes which is a precursor for adult diabetes. Children who are overweight or obese are more at risk of getting this condition. Childhood diabetes calls for careful medical intervention. FIMS Hospital, a well-known multi-speciality facility, is one of the best diabetes hospitals in Coimbatore that provides promising treatment in this context.

According to the ‘Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’

“More than one million people below twenty years of age are suffering from diabetes.”

Quite shocking, isn’t it? In an effort to combat this outbreak, FIMS hospital has a dedicated centre of excellence for diabetes and endocrinology. It provides comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and management under the care of best diabetes doctorsin Coimbatore. FIMS Hospital is also fully equipped with the most advanced investigative equipment and multidisciplinary specialist teams to deliver excellent healthcare outcomes. Let us now further understand about diabetes in children.

Type 1 Diabetes 

This type of diabetes is an abnormal condition where the child’s body no longer produces insulin the hormone essential to regulate blood sugar levels. Though there is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes, it can be controlled by providing external insulin to the body through insulin pumps and injections. As this type of diabetes controls all the organs for the body, neglecting the symptoms can lead to cardiac disease, damage to kidneys, nerves, and eyes and even osteoporosis.

Type 2 Diabetes

Children, who are obese, very inactive, prematurely born, had low birth weight or pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to get this form of diabetes. They will not be able to process glucose properly for fuelling the body cells thereby leading to elevated levels of blood sugar. For children with Type 2 diabetes the body develops insulin resistance leading to sugar build-up i the blood. Left undiagnosed and untreated, this disease can lead to serious health consequences like heart disease, kidney failure and even blindness.

Symptoms for Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

·         Increased hunger and thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Unexplained weight loss

·         Exhaustion

·         Darkened skin patches particularly in the arm pits and neck

·         Blurred vision

·         Dryness in the mouth

·         Heavy breathing

·         Slow healing of wounds

·         Feeling of numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet

·         Behavioural changes

·         Bad breath

Treatment

After confirming that the child is suffering from Type 1 Diabetes through blood tests, doctors usually give insulin and a medication called metformin for lowering the blood sugar levels. These two medicines are the only recommended drugs for treating childhood diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is usually controlled through diet and exercise. Certain lifestyle changes are also recommended to manage diabetes and keep it under control.

Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes Management and Control

·         Create a balanced meal plan along with the dietician to ensure that the child gets the right            

          nutrients and maintains the portion size.

·         Excessive carbohydrate intake must be strictly avoided to ensure sudden spike in sugar levels.

·         Take steps to treat childhood obesity without neglecting it.

·         Ensure that children are physically active throughout the day and follow a daily exercise regime.

·         Limit screen times to prevent lethargy and idleness.

·         Create awareness in children for handling sudden low sugar episodes and equip them with handy         

           items like sugar tablets and snacks for managing such situations.

·         Regularly visit the doctor for health check and get the eyes tested annually without fail.

 

So, timely clinical intervention and healthy lifestyle are the key strategies to manage diabetes in children. For further information, please consult the best diabetologists inCoimbatore at FIMS Hospital, renowned for delivering highly effective treatment for managing all types and stages of diabetes.