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The Rise of Diabetes in Children

Diabetes in children is a prevalent and serious condition that has shown an alarming increase in cases worldwide with approximately a 40% surge between 1990 and 2019 among children. Diabetes is divided into two types: type 1 diabetes which is more common in children and type 2 diabetes which is often linked to children’s dietary habits.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Children

Though diabetes symptoms between the 2 types are similar, signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be distinguished from those of type 2.

 

Symptoms of type diabetes tend to appear rapidly and within a few weeks while symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop at a slower pace. Remarkably, around 40% of children with type 2 diabetes may not show symptoms and they are only diagnosed following routine medical checkups.

 

Below are some of the key symptoms of diabetes in children:

  • Extreme thirst and frequent urination.
  • Extreme hunger.
  • Weight loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability and mood swings.
  • Fruity-smelling breath.
  • Low vision.
  • Delay in wound healing and recurrent infections.

 

It has also been reported that girls with type 1 diabetes may experience genital yeast (fungal) infections and infants may experience fungal diaper dermatitis. 

Causes of Diabetes in Children

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes share a key problem, which is the inability to properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar though they happen for different reasons.

 

Type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) occurs during childhood and adolescence. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its cells (beta cells in the pancreas) destroying the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin.

 

The chance of developing type 1 diabetes in children increases if one of the parents or siblings has it as well. The child will need daily insulin injections. 

 

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes develops when the body produces an insufficient amount of insulin to counteract the increase in blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with a healthy diet, exercise, and sometimes diabetes medications. 

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Children

The chance of developing diabetes in children increases with the presence of one or more of the following factors. It is important to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 risk factors.

Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes in Children

 

Below are some of the key risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes in children:

  • Family health history: A child is more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes if a parent or sibling has it.
  • Genetics: certain genes increase the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes.
  • Ethnicity: type 1 diabetes prevalence may be higher in children of some ethnicities.
  • Viral infections and illnesses: such as Epstein–Barr virus and Kawasaki disease.
  • Dietary factors: Early infants’ exposure to cow’s milk might contribute to type 1 diabetes while breastfeeding might decrease its chances, based on recent research.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Researchers are still unable to explain why the following factors may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and not in others. The most prominent of these factors are the following:

  • Excess weight and belly fat: Increased fat levels lead to insulin resistance development.
  • Inactivity: Less physical activity raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Family health history: Having a family member with type 2 diabetes increases the likelihood of developing it.
  • Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups are more prone to type 2 diabetes.
  • Other health conditions: Having medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a low birth weight can increase the risk.
  • Maternal Factors: If the mother has had gestational diabetes, the child’s risk is higher.

When Does Diabetes Develop in Children

It is difficult to pinpoint when exactly diabetes develops in children, however, type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in one of the following age stages:

  1. Stage 1: 4 – 7 years old.
  2. Stage 2: 10 – 14 years old.

Whereas type 2 diabetes is most likely diagnosed at the early onset of adolescence especially in girls. 

For peace of mind regarding your child’s health, you can request a fasting blood sugar test at MedLabs after consulting your doctor. MedLabs also offers comprehensive diabetes testing packages for thorough evaluation.

Treatment of Diabetes in Children

Treatment of type 1 diabetes differs from treatment of type 2 type diabetes as explained below:

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Managing type 1 diabetes in children includes insulin injections and consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels. It is also important to ensure a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ongoing follow-ups with the child’s doctor to prevent complications.

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Treatment of type 2 diabetes includes maintaining a healthy diet as guided by a nutritionist, encouraging regular physical activity, and ensuring the child stays within a healthy weight range for their age.

Diabetes medications may be prescribed by the physician, based on the child’s health condition and blood sugar levels (fasting and HbA1c).

Protecting our Children against Diabetes

The following habits should keep children on the healthy track in preventing diabetes:

  • Awareness

Do your research and learn about diabetes in children and familiarize yourself with your family’s health history.

  • Planning Meals

Pay attention to the number of calories your child needs for growth. In general, it’s important to understand how different foods affect your child’s blood sugar levels. Always consult nutrition specialists to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your children.

  • Healthy Foods and Drinks

Help your child understand the right types of food and monitor portion sizes. Replace sugary drinks such as sodas with water or low-fat milk. It is also important to focus on healthy snacks and replace unhealthy choices with nutritious ones.

  • Exercising

Regular physical activity is recommended (150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week) for all ages, as it strengthens the immune system.

You can try to exercise from a variety of sports, such as brisk walking, light jogging, cycling, aerobic exercises, tennis, or badminton.

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