| Diabetes in Children |
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Diabetes in children is not an especially common condition, but the number of children diagnosed with it has been rising steadily over the last 30 years. Traditionally, it was Type 1 diabetes which was most prevalent in children, but Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common. Type 2 Diabetes is often called adult-onset diabetes, and it may be that the increase in the number of children with this form of diabetes is linked to the increase of childhood obesity. What causes diabetes in children? As is the case with diabetes in adults, the cause of childhood diabetes are not yet fully understood, but it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors. What are the different types of diabetes? The least common type of diabetes is Type 1 diabetes, and this normally presents before the age of 40. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin. 90 to 95% of children who have diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes and occurs either where the body does not produce enough insulin, or it loses its ability to effectively use insulin. This was, until fairly recently, considered to be restricted to those over roughly 30 years of age. However Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children. Why is this? Some researchers believe that the increase in Type 2 diabetes among young people may be caused by increased obesity in children and young people together with a more sedentary life style. Puberty may also be a factor since everyone has a greater resistance to insulin during puberty, and an inability to compensate for this has been noticed among those adolescents with Type 2 diabetes. What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms for childhood diabetes are the same as those for adults, namely:
More typical childhood symptoms are: Because the treatment of childhood diabetes is a specialised area, the treatment is usually managed by a hospital-based team rather then the general practitioner. Most children with diabetes will require insulin treatment and this will be planned by the child’s diabetic team. Most children will require frequent doses of fast-acting insulin during the day and slow-acting insulin at night.
Coping with Diabetes Providing your child’s diabetes is monitored and controlled, there is no reason why they should not go on to enjoy a full and productive life. Any myths that your child will be unable to take part in sporting activity can easily be dispelled by considering the example of 5 time Olympic gold medal winner, Sir Steve Redgrave. |
