Diabetes in kids has been around for many decades. However, the type of diabetes in kids is beginning to shift and change due to the unhealthy diets and lifestyles of our children today.
To understand diabetes in kids, it is necessary to understand the two different types of diabetes mellitus. Traditionally, children diagnosed with diabetes were diagnosed with type I diabetes. Type I diabetes (also previously known as juvenile onset, childhood onset, or insulin dependent) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of the insulin hormone. Insulin is the hormone used to assist the cells in metabolizing blood sugar. Without this hormone, it is not possible for the cells to absorb and use blood sugar.
In our society today, more and more children are being diagnosed with type II diabetes each year. In previous decades, type II diabetes was also known as adult onset, non-insulin dependent or insulin resistant diabetes. However, with the unhealthy lifestyle changes we have made over the past couple of decades, this is no longer the case. Type II diabetes is becoming a common diagnosis in children, along with many other diseases that were always previously considered adult lifestyle diseases.
Type II diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin hormone. Resistance to the insulin hormone has the same affect on the body as when the body is not producing enough insulin. However, this is generally caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices.
Diabetes Symptoms in Kids: Type I
The symptoms of diabetes in kids are similar for both type I and type II. However, the risk factors play a huge role in type II diabetes. These are the most common symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
The signs and symptoms of diabetes in kids include:
- Increased, excessive, unexplainable thirst
- Frequent urination and/or profuse sweating
- Excessive, unexplained hunger
- Dizziness or vision changes
- Fruity smelling breath, urine or sweat
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact you pediatrician to set up a screening immediately. Diabetes is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Signs of Diabetes in Kids: Type II Risk Factors
Children are at much higher risk of diabetes in our society today because of diets full of sugar and processed foods. Sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time also play a huge role in this epidemic. Children need healthy food and movement to grow and function properly. Since many children are not getting this, they are starting to experience many diseases that were previously considered adult diseases.
Risk factors of type II diabetes in kids include being overweight, obesity, a poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Other risk factors include a family history of type II diabetes, being in a minority group (specifically black and Hispanic), and living at or below poverty level.
The Ramifications Of Diabetes In Kids
There are many great treatment plans for children with diabetes. Many physicians, public figures, private organizations, schools and parents are working hard to change the statistics on type II diabetes in children.
However, there are huge ramifications regarding diabetes in kids. In fact, there are huge ramifications because of the lifestyles we continue to lead and allow our children to lead.
Parents have a responsibility to be involved in the well being of our children. The bottom line is that parents need to become aware of these health issues and help children make better choices to prevent type II diabetes in children.
These issues get handed down from generation to generation and if we do not do something to intervene now, the statistics are going to continue to get worse and the numbers of children diagnosed with diabetes and other adult diseases each year are going to continue to grow. Speak with your pediatrician today about making positive lifestyle changes to help your children lead a healthy and happy life!
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