Diabetes in children and teenagers; symptoms and diagnosis

Diabetes in children and teenagers; symptoms and diagnosis

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Diabetes is a global epidemic affecting around 210,000 children and teenagers in the United States under 20 (National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020). Young people with Type I Diabetes are far more common than those with type II. Young individuals, on the other hand, are experiencing an increase in both sorts. Approximately 291 young people aged 10–19 years were diagnosed with Type I Diabetes in 2014–2015, whereas 5,758 young people were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The most common Diabetes among teenagers are

  1. Type I Diabetes: Type I Diabetes, also known as juvenile Diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to generate insulin, children develop type I Diabetes. Sugar cannot pass from the bloodstream to the cells without insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Type I diabetes can strike anyone at any age, from infancy to adulthood. However, the average age of diagnosis is 13. People under the age of 20 accounts for an estimated 85 percent of all type I diagnoses. To assist in keeping blood sugar levels within the desired range, treatment includes long-term insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring and diet and activity control.

Symptoms: The symptoms of type I Diabetes in children usually appear quickly and last only a few weeks.

Increased thirst and urination, hunger, weight loss, irritability, a fruity odor on the breath, poor vision, weight loss and female yeast infections could be an indication of Diabetes.

Some people will develop Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) at the time of diagnosis, which occurs when the body lacks insulin and begins to burn fat for energy. 

Complications: DKA results in creating compounds known as ketones, which are poisonous at high concentrations. DKA occurs when these chemicals pile up in the body, causing the body to become acidic.

Methods for detecting DKA symptoms prior to a diagnosis 

  • The youngster may be frequenting bedwetting 
  • The youngster may be drinking more water than usual, but they are still thirsty.
  • It is possible that the child is more tired than usual. 
  • The child may be losing weight.

 

  1. Type 2 Diabetes: Adults with type II diabetes are prevalent, and the prevalence of the disease rises with age. It can happen if our insulin is not working correctly. Glucose can build up in the bloodstream if there is not enough insulin. Obesity affects roughly 18.5 percent of people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 75% of children with type II diabetes have been diagnosed because of genetics or shared lifestyle patterns.

People with Type II diabetes can often control their condition by modifying their diet, increasing physical activity, and keeping a healthy weight.                                   

 Symptoms: Symptoms of Type II diabetes appear gradually, and diagnosis could take months or years to come.

Increased thirst, frequent urination, especially at night, weight loss, itching around the genitals, probably due to a yeast infection, poor healing of cuts or wounds, blurred vision due to eye dryness, the appearance of dark, velvety patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, is another sign of insulin resistance. Another illness that is usually linked to insulin resistance is a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Complications: Obesity is typically associated with Type II diabetes, which may add to the increased risks. Type II Diabetes alters the body's capacity to use insulin, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels.

 

Diagnosis: A urine test to look for sugar in the pee or a finger-prick blood test to assess the child's glucose levels.

 

Prevention

Type I diabetes cannot currently be prevented, whereas Type II diabetes is preventable.

Methods to prevent type 2 diabetes in children:

Healthy body weight: Obesity raises the risk of Type II diabetes by increasing the likelihood of insulin resistance.

Stay Active: Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity lowers insulin resistance and aids in blood pressure control.

Avoid Sugary Foods and beverages: Consuming many sugary meals might contribute to weight gain and difficulties with insulin function.

Well-balanced diet: Type II diabetes can be prevented by eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet that includes enough vitamins, fiber, and lean proteins.

 

Organic Health supplements: DiaBeat is a product, effectively aids in the natural treatment of Type II Diabetes (Adults) by lowering Insulin Response and Blood Glucose levels. Fenugreek, Neem, Tulsi, Guduchi, and Madhunashini are hand-selected organic phytophenol components known for their hypoglycemic properties.

 

Childhood and adolescent diabetes rates are on the rise. Type I diabetes is far more common in children and teenagers than type II diabetes, yet both are rising. In most situations, a healthy diet, frequent exercise, and medications can help people control the symptoms of Type I and Type II Diabetes. People with Diabetes can live whole and healthy lives if they keep their disease under control.

 

Bhagyashree Hatti
M. Tech (Food Technology)
Quality Assurance and 
R&D

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