Diabetes is one of the most common childhood diseases. According to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, more than 215,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 in the United States had diabetes in 2010. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that cause high levels of glucose in the blood. Defects in insulin production stop the body from making or properly using insulin, a hormone required by the human body to transform starches, sugars, and other foods into energy. Diabetes is associated with serious complications, but a timely diagnosis and treatment can delay or prevent long-term complications. New management strategies have been created to help children with diabetes live a long and healthy life.
Type 1 Diabetes
Children with type 1 diabetes account for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. The pancreas no longer produces the insulin the child needs to survive, and insulin administration is required by injection or insulin pump. Children with type 1 diabetes require consistent care, regular insulin delivery, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 diabetes in children is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may come on suddenly, and may include:
Extreme thirst Sudden vision changes Frequent urination Drowsiness Sugar in urine Increased appetite Sudden weight loss Fruity odor/breath Heavy breathing Unconsciousness
Type 1 diabetes typically begins in childhood or teen years. The condition often runs in families, and whites are at a higher risk of acquiring type 1 diabetes than other racial groups. The presence of certain genes also increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. (JDRF: About the Disease) In some cases, genetic testing can indicate if a child with a family history of the disease is at an increased risk.
Nearly every major organ in the body can be affected by type 1 diabetes, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. With proper medical and home care, complications of the disease are drastically reduced. (Mayo Clinic: Complications) Long-term complications will usually develop gradually, and can be life threatening if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a more serious and chronic disease. Although it’s mostly seen in adults, it is becoming more common in children and youth. In type 2 diabetes, cells in the body come resistant to the effects of insulin and the bloodstream builds up with glucose. Over time, the body is less able to handle the increased levels of glucose and the high blood sugar can lead to diabetes complications, such as kidney failure, heart disease, and blindness.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be very similar to those of type 1 diabetes, and may include:
Unusual thirst Irritability Frequent urination Blurred vision Extreme hunger Itching Extreme tiredness Tingling/numbness in the hands or feet High blood pressure Slow healing or sores or wounds Acanthosis nigricans
Risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes in children include a family history of diabetes, being overweight, female gender, certain ethnic groups (African-American, American-Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian), and other conditions associated with insulin resistance. (CDC: Children and Diabetes) The greatest risk of type 2 diabetes is excess weight, as nearly 1 out of every 5 children in the United States is considered to be overweight.
Type 2 diabetes may not show any serious symptoms in the early stages, but the condition is nothing to ignore. Long-term complications of the disease can come on gradually, and may become disabling or even life-threatening if not taken seriously. Type 2 diabetes can lead to heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, kidney damage, eye damage, skin conditions, and brain problems.
Sources:
JDRF: Frequently Asked Questions
Mayo Clinic: Complications
CDC: Children and Diabetes