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Diabetes mellitus in children is an increasingly common problem – it is sometimes diagnosed even in infants. Chronic metabolic disease is manifested by high blood glucose levels. It may have an autoimmune basis, but it is also caused by obesity or an unhygienic lifestyle (lack of exercise, poorly balanced diet). The first symptoms of the disease are pollakiuria, increased thirst, but also cramps, sleepiness and weakness. How to treat diabetes in children? When to see a doctor?
Diabetes mellitus in children – characteristics
One of the childhood diseases of civilization is diabetes. The types of the disorder are referred to as type 1, type 2, and neonatal diabetes. Consult a doctor as soon as possible for disturbing symptoms in the youngest.
The diagnosis of diabetes in children is carried out in a simple way with several tests, the most important of which is the determination of blood sugar levels. Diabetes is treated by a diabetologistand management of confirmed disease includes insulin (type 1), as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. Parents should also take care of the correct weight of the child.
- What is the correct weight of the baby and how to calculate it?
Diabetes – causes of the disease
Hyperglycemia, which is significantly exceeded the norm of glucose in the blood, is diabetes. The reasons for its formation are identical in children and adults. The hormone produced by the pancreas – insulin is responsible for maintaining the correct level of sugar. When its secretion is impaired or the glycemic regulation mechanism fails, glucose levels rise in an uncontrolled manner and the disease develops.
When the amount of the hormone produced is insufficient, it is referred to as a type 1 disorder, i.e. an autoimmune disease. – this is the diagnosis most often made in the youngest patients. Type 2, detected less frequently, may be associated with, for example, overweight, inappropriate lifestyle. In this situation, the amount of insulin produced is sufficient, but the body’s response to it is not correct.
- What are the most common causes of type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes in children – symptoms
Children can be diagnosed with diabetes at the age of several (type 1) or in their teens (type 2), but it is also detected in infants. It is worth remembering what are the first signs of diabetes in children.
Symptoms include greater than before thirst and pollakiuria. You may experience poor appetite (weakness or worsening) as well as weight loss. Additionally, mood changes were observed – irritability, learning difficulties, sleepiness and excessive fatigue. Sometimes there are also skin problems and intimate infections. It gives the same symptoms diabetes in an infant.
How to treat diabetes in children?
The disease in the youngest requires quick diagnosis and implementation of appropriate therapy. If the results indicate diabetes, how do you treat my baby? In most cases, it is necessary to administer insulin (type 1), sometimes only lifestyle changes and health check are recommended (type 2).
The so-called diabetic diet. You should completely give up sweets and processed foods.
What is neonatal diabetes?
Neonatal diabetes is a separate hereditary disease in which there is a mutation in a gene that regulates the functions of pancreatic cells. It appears up to 6 months of age, usually in newborns with low birth weight and significantly elevated blood glucose levels.
In this case, metabolic acidosis, which is directly life-threatening, also often occurs. Symptoms include vomiting, dehydration, and breathing problems. The diagnosis of this type of diabetes is based on genetic tests. Treatment includes administration of sulfonylureas.
The very first disturbing symptoms should prompt parents to see a doctor. Untreated diabetes in children can lead to very serious complications that threaten the life of young patients. After confirming the disease, the diabetologist sets up a treatment plan. The patient should be under the care of a specialist.
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