Preventative measures and early diagnosis can help reduce the risk of children developing diabetes.
Diabetes is on the rise; it is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease, affecting people of all ages, including infants. Diabetes SA says what is more frightening is that worldwide 200 children are becoming diabetic every day.
Unfortunately, when it comes to children, the disease is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The symptoms can often be mistaken for flu or other common illnesses. If not detected early, it can worsen quickly. Type 1 diabetic children run the risk of falling into a diabetic letoacidosis coma. Type 2 diabetic children are at a higher risk of developing complications like eye or kidney disease, especially if left untreated.
Understanding the types
There are many different types of diabetes, with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus being the most common.
Type 1
Type 1 is also called insulin-dependent diabetes and is most commonly is diagnosed in the young. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces the insulin the body needs. Type 1 diabetes develops before the age of 35 years.
Type 2
In type 2, the most common form, there is often a genetic susceptibility, combined with lifestyle choices that lead to obesity, which, in turn, lead to insulin resistance. It usually affects older people with sedentary lifestyles, and is easier to manage.
symptoms
But up to 80% of of type 2 can be prevented by following a healthier lifestyle, reports Diabetes SA. So it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for, so you can catch the disease early and manage it:
- Children may drink a lot of water, which could lead to increased urination and bedwetting.
- They may eat a lot, but still lose weight.
- They could become dehydrated.
- Children may have blurred vision.
- They could suffer from fatigue.
- The may get infections that take a long time to or don’t heal.
- Children may complain of stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Importantly, diabetics may only have a few of these symptoms or none at all. But if you are concerned, see your healthcare practitioner.
Try these low-carb breakfast ideas to give your family members better control of their glucose.
managing the risk
You can help lower the risk or help manage it by following a few healthy lifestyle guidelines:
- Get to or maintain a healthy weight.
- Choose healthy foods and eat regular meals. Look for low-GI options that allow for a slower release of glucose into the blood stream.
- Lean proteins, legumes and fish are other good options.
- Plant-origin fats, especially monounsaturated fats, don’t increase your cholesterol. You should also use salt sparingly.
- Watch your portion size and try to keep your starch portions small. If you’re not sure what the right portion sizes are for you, speak to a dietician.
- Do physical activities and exercise regularly.
Popular mealtime dishes that can be just as delicious as sugar-free meals.
Looking ahead
Currently there is no cure for diabetes on the horizon. Stem cell research is showing some promise, however, it will be many years before meaningful results will be seen. The current focus is on more efficient therapeutic technology, such as the insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Common misconceptions
It is not true that diabetic children cannot be given sweet things. If insulin levels are effectively controlled, a diabetic child can enjoy a normal and healthy diet.
