Diabetes mellitus is an illness that affects adults. Children, on the other hand, are not immune to the condition. Type 1 diabetes affects 500,000 children under the age of 15 worldwide. About 97,700 youngsters in India have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. To avoid complications, children with type 1 diabetes must be cared for and monitored for the rest of their lives.
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. The pancreas no longer manufactures insulin in this disease, and the insulin must be obtained from outside sources, like injections.
Dr. Nilesh Lomte is a Diabetologist in Aurangabad with over 7 years of clinical experience in the field of Medicine, is explained Diabetes Affect Children and Some caring Tips in this blog
Risk factors
As Per Diabetes Doctor in Aurangabad, The risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
- Family history: If one or both parents or siblings have diabetes, the child is more likely to have type 1 diabetes.
- Genetic susceptibility: The existence of specific genes raises the chances of developing the disease.
- Geography: With increasing distance from the equator, the risk of type 1 diabetes rises. The highest risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus is found in Finland and Sardinia.
- Some viral infections, insufficient vitamin D intake, early introduction of cow's milk, being born with jaundice, and early or late introduction of grains and gluten into the diet are all risk factors.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:
- Weight loss: The initial indication of type 1 diabetes is unexplained weight loss. Your youngster may lose weight despite overeating to satisfy hunger.
- Extreme hunger: Even after eating, your youngster may still feel hungry.
- Fatigue: Your child may easily get fatigued and lethargic.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels might impair your child's eyes and possibly cause them to lose their ability to focus.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: Your youngster may become thirsty due to an overabundance of sugar in the bloodstream. He or she may drink more water and urinate more frequently as a result.
- Yeast infection: Type 1 diabetes patients may develop a vaginal yeast infection, and babies may develop a yeast-related diaper rash.
If you observe any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. You can visit Dr. Nilesh Lomte, Who is the best Diabetologist in Aurangabad.
Taking care of your child
Based on Their Huge Experience, Diabetologist in Aurangabad, Dr. Nilesh Lomte Suggested Some Caring Tips for Children.
Dietary changes: Typically, a child with diabetes can consume the same nutritious foods as the rest of the family. However, you must exercise caution and adhere to specific safety precautions:
- You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as some additional items recommended by your doctor.
- If your child takes insulin daily, you should incorporate nutritious carbohydrate items like beans, vegetables, and whole grains in his or her diet.
- Because sugary drinks like juice and soda include a lot of added sugars, you should teach your child to avoid them.
- You should make certain that your child eats at the same time every day.
Physical health: Your child can take part in all physical activities alongside his or her peers and pals. When you exercise for 60 minutes or longer, your blood sugar levels can drop dangerously low. Here are some guidelines to ensure your child's safety while participating in physical activities.
If your child is participating in a sports team:
- Ascertain that the coach is aware of your child's diabetes.
- If your youngster seems dizzy, tell him or her to eat candy or cookies.
- Before you start playing, make sure your child has a snack.
- Make sure your youngster is always wearing a medical ID bracelet.
Care at school: Even when your child is at school, type I diabetes must be managed 24 hours a day. You must inform your child's instructors and caregivers of his or her illness.
You need to:
- Make a plan for your child's diabetes management.
- Teach your child's instructors how to handle a hypoglycemic episode.
- Make sure your child has a diabetes supply kit in his or her backpack.
- assist your child in making nutritious food choices
- Make a health plan for your child's field trips, as well as during and after school activities.
Understand your child’s feelings:
Emphasize independence: As a parent, you must support and encourage your child so that he or she will be able to manage the situation and develop a positive attitude and confidence.
Focus on friendship: Fun with friends fosters a sense of belonging and self-assurance. Encourage your youngster to tell his or her pals that he or she has diabetes. This makes it easier for their pals to interact with your child.
Rectify misconceptions: Discuss with your child the fact that people do not deserve diabetes, but it does occur. If your child is feeling guilty about his or her diabetes, reassure him or her that there is no need to feel bad.
It's difficult to accept that your child has diabetes; staying strong will help your youngster stay strong and joyful. As a result, you must have a thorough understanding of diabetes in order to assist your child in remaining happy, healthy, and active.