Thursday, 13 November 2014

Diabetes in children: what to look out for



Type 1 diabetes in children, previously called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin. Children with the condition will require lifelong insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring, and a change in diet may be needed.
Type 2 diabetes, although less common in very young children, can occur when not enough insulin is produced or it is not working properly. As a result, glucose can accumulate in the bloodstream. The condition can often be managed through a change in diet, increasing exercise and maintaining a
healthy weight, although some patients may require diabetes medication - such as metformin - or insulin therapy.
The most common symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents include increased thirst and urination, fatigue and weight loss. Some children may also experience increased hunger and blurred vision, while girls with type 1 diabetes may develop a yeast infection.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children tend to develop rapidly over a period of a few weeks, while type 2 diabetes symptoms develop more slowly.
Parents should take their child to the doctor if they notice any of the above symptoms. But despite an increase in diabetes prevalence among children and adolescents, it seems there is a lack of awareness when it comes to identifying symptoms of the condition.

The 4 Ts that Diabetes people should be aware of in children are:
  • Toilet - using the toilet frequently, heavier nappies in babies or bedwetting from a previously dry child
  • Thirsty - drinking more fluids than usual but being unable to quench thirst
  • Tired - feeling more tired than usual
  • Thinner - weight loss.
 Dr Tango is a  Consultant Physician with facts and Figures
 Email- caremed001@gmail.com
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