Diabetic? In Children? It is almost too shocking of a reality for any of us to deal with; no children should have to deal with this sort of pain or complication. Unfortunately, for many kids around the world, it is a reality that there is no escape from. The best that we can do, as adults, is learn to understand the disease and help them along as best we can.
Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes, because you rarely saw it occur after adolescence. Now it occurs in people of all ages. On the reverse, you never used to hear of cases in which a child having type-2 diabetes, but now it is happening in staggering numbers. Therefore, this article concentrates on both types.
Diabetic Symptoms in Children
Diabetic symptoms in children are basically the same in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes, with a few exceptions. Children with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes seem to be moody and irritable, and girls with this type of disease are prone to getting yeast infections or diaper rashes. A child with type-2 diabetes may get frequent infections as well, and they take longer than they should to heal. Also, dark patches of skin may for around the armpit and neck. This is a sign of insulin resistance, a common problem in type-2 diabetes. Symptoms which occur in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes are:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred Vision
If you see any of these symptoms in your child, it is time to see a doctor. It is possible that your child will need to be put into the hospital, so that his/her blood sugars can be stabilized. After the diagnosis, and possibly in the hospital, you and your child will learn about insulin delivery (type-1, and sometimes 2), eating correctly, and other medications, if needed. In some cases the child will begin seeing a specialist for metabolic disorders, a diabetes educator, a dietician, and/or an eye care specialist.
Dealing with diabetes in a child is very similar to dealing with diabetes in an adult. However, unlike most adults, your child will need your help. Now, that does not mean to do everything for them. It is important, for example, that a child know how to proportion his own plates correctly and to give themselves their own insulin shots. However, you must oversee these things to avoid complications in the future.
Diabetes can be very emotional for kids as well, especially for diabetic children in school. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can affect your child’s emotions and cause behavioral changes. Children may also have trouble because they feel different from other children, which cause them to feel alone. There is also a link between depression and diabetes that is not fully understood yet. In any case, as the adult and care giver it is up to you to make all the possible efforts that you can to help them cope. It may be wise to seek help from doctors, counselors, and therapists in some cases.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children
Pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis is the biggest cause of diabetic seizures in children. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is also the most common cause of death in children with type-1 diabetes. It is caused by a profound lack of circulating insulin. This may occur because of illness, taking too little insulin, or getting too little exercise.
Vomiting, dehydration, deep gasping breath intake, confusion, and sometimes even coma are typical symptoms. Treatment involves rehydration by intravenous fluids, insulin to suppress the production of ketones, and treatment for any other underlying causes such as infection. This is a medical emergency, but it only occurs in death 5% of the time if medical assistance is sought in a timely manner.
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