Childhood Diabetes
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - E10/E11
Do children also get diabetes?
Yes, but usually Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)..
Children and adolescents are the age group most affected by T1DM, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. Approximately 20 out of every 100,000 children and adolescents may develop T1DM each year.
Diabetes Symptoms
A child with T1DM:
- is very hungry, eats a lot, yet loses weight or does not gain weight
- is very thirsty
- urinates frequently and in large amounts (including during the night)
- complains of blurred vision
- feels weak or lacks energy to carry out daily activities
What Happens in the Body of a Child with T1DM?
In people without diabetes, the sugar from a meal rich in carbohydrates (such as rice, pasta, sweets, milk, fruits) is converted into glucose in the intestine. The glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
From the blood, glucose must be transported into the cells to provide them with energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, acts as the transporter that moves glucose from the blood into the cells.
In children with T1DM, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells to supply them with energy, and the glucose level in the blood becomes very high (hyperglycemia).
The exact reason why some children stop producing insulin is not fully understood, but it is known that there is a hereditary tendency associated with some environmental trigger, such as a viral infection. In such cases, the body, in an attempt to eliminate the virus, may make a mistake and begin to destroy its own cells—specifically, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This characterizes an autoimmune disease (the body attacking its own cells). Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Adolescents
T2DM usually affects adults, but it can also occur in overweight or obese adolescents. In this case, the adolescent is able to produce insulin, but obesity causes the body’s cells to become resistant to insulin. That is, insulin becomes ineffective at transporting glucose into the cells, and glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia.
The symptoms of T2DM may be less noticeable, but they also include thirst, frequent urination in large amounts, and lack of energy.
How to Assess if a Child Has Diabetes
When symptoms suggest diabetes, a doctor or healthcare service should be consulted to perform the appropriate diagnostic tests. Measuring blood sugar levels (blood glucose) and detecting sugar and/or ketones in the urine are essential tests for diagnosis.
Diabetes Treatment
Type 1 diabetes can be effectively managed with insulin injections, a balanced diet including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and regular physical activity. Blood sugar levels should be monitored several times a day using fingerstick glucose testing.
Occasionally, in situations where the menu is not ideal for a child with diabetes (such as birthday parties), the family and child should learn to make the best choices, with the help of extra insulin doses when needed.
The nutrition and nursing staff at the child’s school should understand the importance of properly supporting a student with diabetes.
Before or after physical activity, it is advisable for a child who takes insulin to have their blood sugar monitored to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after exercise.
Type 2 diabetes can be treated with a balanced diet, weight loss, regular physical activity, and sometimes oral medications that help the pancreas produce more insulin or improve insulin action.
The balanced diet for a child with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes should be adopted by the entire family.
A Child with Diabetes Needs Care, but Is Not Different from Other Children
A child with diabetes can live a life similar to that of children without diabetes. As adults, they can lead normal and productive lives, as demonstrated by famous athletes, artists, and musicians who have diabetes.
However, if blood sugar levels are not kept close to normal over the years, the child with diabetes will be at greater risk of developing long-term complications that can affect the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Their growth during puberty may also be affected. Therefore, diabetes requires a life of discipline, constant monitoring, and treatment, but it does not prevent a child from being happy.