Type 1 Diabetes in Children:
Type 1 diabetes can start at any age, but there are peaks around the age of 5 to 6 and then again around the age of 11 to 13.
The most important symptoms for Type 1 Diabetes in children:
- Involuntary urination of a child trained to use the toilet.
- Feeling very thirsty and tired.
- Extreme hunger associated with weight loss.
- Increased appetite.
- Irritability or unusual behavior.
- Blurry vision when blood sugar is high.
If the disease is not detected, the following symptoms can occur that require immediate medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing and drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
It is important to recognize the symptoms of type 1 diabetes early as high blood sugar levels and dehydration caused by uncontrolled diabetes are dangerous.
Type 2 diabetes:
In the past, type 2 diabetes was called “adult diabetes,” because children rarely develop it, and with the high rates of childhood obesity, an increasing number of children have been diagnosed with this type of diabetes, some as young as 10 years old.
Risk factors for children with type 2 diabetes:
- overweight.
- Diabetes in a family member.
- Maternal diabetes during pregnancy.
- Medical problems that affect the way the body uses insulin.
- Symptoms are similar to type 1 diabetes and may appear gradually.
Diabetes Control and Management:
Although there is no definitive cure for diabetes, children with this disease can lead a normal life if it is controlled.
What parents can do for children with diabetes:
As the child becomes more independent, they can be helped to learn to take more responsibility for diabetes care Children over the age of 7 usually have the fine motor skills to be able to start giving insulin injections themselves under adult supervision They can also check their blood sugar several times daily, however self-care tasks require parental supervision; To make sure your diabetes stays under control as per your doctor's instructions.
Tips for a healthy life:
Create a healthy eating plan:
You should talk with the doctor and dietitian about a meal plan that meets the needs of the child. The following tips can also help in choosing healthy foods that are high in nutrients (proteins, vitamins and minerals):
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Include foods rich in fiber and whole grains (such as: brown rice, whole grain pasta, corn, peas, bread and cereal) in your meals. Sweet potatoes are also a good choice.
- Choose low-fat or fat-free toppings (such as grated Parmesan cheese, salsa, cottage cheese, gravy, sour cream, salad dressing, or yogurt).
- Choose lean meats (eg: skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef).
- Choose healthy oils (eg: canola oil or olive oil) in your diet.
- Using fat-free cooking methods (such as: baking, grilling, boiling, or steaming) when cooking meat, poultry, or fish.
- Serve vegetable soups and broths, or use skimmed or reduced-fat milk or evaporated skim milk when making creamy soups.
- Read the Nutrition Facts label on food packages to find foods with the lowest percentage of saturated fat per serving.
Develop a plan for physical activity:
Physical activity combined with proper nutrition promotes lifelong health. Here are some ideas on how to keep a child fit:
- Encouraging the child to be active for at least an hour a day.
- Active play is the best exercise for young children and parents can join their kids and have fun while they are active.
- Each day, the child participates in one hour or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity appropriate for his age and includes a variety of activities.
- Limit television viewing, especially for children under two years of age. For older children, total screen time should be limited to at least one to two hours per day.
- Involvement of the whole family as it is a great way to spend time together. Also, children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are more likely to do it themselves.
- Provide a safe environment and ensure the safety of the child's equipment and the site chosen for the sport or activity.
- Ensure that the child's clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the activity.