Diabetes In Children
Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children: 90 to 95 per cent of under 16s with diabetes have this type. It is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning a condition in which the body's immune system 'attacks' one of the body's own tissues or organs. In Type 1 diabetes it's the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas that are destroyed. How common is it? Childhood diabetes isn't common, but there are marked variations around the world: in England and Wales 17 children per 100,000 develop diabetes each year in Scotland the figure is 25 per 100,000 in Finland it's 43 per 100,000 in Japan it's 3 per 100,000. The last 30 years has seen a threefold increase in the number of cases of childhood diabetes, particularly in the under 5s. In Europe and America, Type 2 diabetes has been seen for the first time in young people. This is mainly caused by the increasing trend towards obesity in our society. But obesity doesn't explain the increase in the numbers of Type 1 diabetes in children – who make up the majority of new cases. What causes childhood diabetes? As with adults, the cause of childhood diabetes is not understood. It probably involves a combination of genes and environmental triggers. The majority of children who develop Type 1 don't have a family history of diabetes. What are the symptoms? The main symptoms are the same as in adults. They tend to come on over a few weeks: drinking more than usual, including overnight frequent urination, including overnight weight loss tiredness. Symptoms that are more typical for children include: Sometimes diabetic ketoacidosis occurs before diabetes is diagnosed, although this happens less often in the UK due to better a Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus (dm) In Children And Adolescents
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin or fails to respond normally to the insulin produced. Treatment depends on the type of diabetes but includes changes in diet, exercise, weight loss (if overweight), and insulin injections or drugs taken by mouth. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes are similar in children and adults (see Diabetes Mellitus (DM)). However, management of diabetes in children may be more complex. It must be tailored to the child’s physical and emotional maturity level and to constant variations in food intake, physical activity, and stress. Blood sugar Diabetes is a disorder that affects the amount of sugar in the blood. There are many kinds of sugar. The white granules of table sugar are known as sucrose. Sucrose occurs naturally in sugar cane and sugar beets. Another kind of sugar, lactose, occurs in milk. Sucrose consists of two different simple sugars, glucose and fructose. Lactose consists of the simple sugars glucose and galactose. Sucrose and lactose must be broken down by the intestine into their simple sugars before they can be absorbed. Glucose is the main sugar the body uses for energy, so during and after absorption, most sugars are turned into glucose. Thus, when doctors talk about blood sugar, they are really talking about blood glucose. Types of Diabetes The types of diabetes in children are similar to those in adults. The types include Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are too high to be considered normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes is more common among obese adolescents. It is temporary in over half of adolescents, but the remainder develop diabetes, especially those Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus
"Diabetes" redirects here. For other uses, see Diabetes (disambiguation). Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.[7] Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger.[2] If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.[2] Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death.[3] Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.[2] Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.[8] There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:[2] Type 1 DM results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin.[2] This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes".[2] The cause is unknown.[2] Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly.[2] As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop.[9] This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes".[2] The most common cause is excessive body weight and insufficient exercise.[2] Gestational diabetes is the third main form, and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.[2] Prevention and treatment involve maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco.[2] Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot care are important for people with t Continue reading >>
World Diabetes Day 2017: Women And Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The most common is type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. In the past three decades the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in countries of all income levels. Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin by itself. For people living with diabetes, access to affordable treatment, including insulin, is critical to their survival. There is a globally agreed target to halt the rise in diabetes and obesity by 2025. Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Children: A Guide To Symptoms, Tests And Treatment
How do you know if your child has diabetes? Experts offer a guide to symptoms, tests and treatment. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of diabetes not only helps you get the treatment your child needs, but it could save a life. There are two separate types of diabetes. Diabetes in children has increased in recent years and now affects more than 200,000 children in the United States. From 2000 to 2009, Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents increased by 21 percent and Type 2 increased by 30 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Read on to learn about the two types of diabetes and the differences between them. Definition and Symptoms Type 1 Diabetes Occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, which is the hormone responsible for utilizing glucose in the body. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that generally develops during childhood. The cause remains unknown, although it may be linked to genetics and the environment, such as exposure to viruses. Type 2 Diabetes Develops at a slower pace at any age. Causes include weight gain and genetics, but generally diagnosis happens above age 10. Type 2 occurs when the body develops insulin resistance and the insulin produced no longer controls blood glucose levels. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have many overlapping symptoms. According to Dr. Tamar S. Hannon, who specializes in pediatric endocrinology at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, the two universal symptoms of diabetes are: Increased urination (polyuria). Increased thirst (polydipsia). "These symptoms always warrant screening for diabetes," says Dr. Hannon. Other symptoms include blurred vision, flu-like symptoms, fatigue and slow-healing cuts or bruises. If your child also loses weight and compl Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus
Definition Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body is not able to correctly process glucose for cell energy due to either an insufficient amount of the hormone insulin or a physical resistance to the insulin the body does produce. Without proper treatment through medication and/or lifestyle changes, the high blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels caused by diabetes can cause long-term damage to organ systems throughout the body. Description There are three types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 (also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes), type 2 (also called adult-onset diabetes), and gestational diabetes. While type 2 is the most prevalent, consisting of 90 to 95 percent of diabetes patients in the United States, type 1 diabetes is more common in children. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy and resolves at birth. Every cell in the human body needs energy in order to function. The body's primary energy source is glucose, a simple sugar resulting from the digestion of foods containing carbohydrates (primarily sugars and starches). Glucose from the digested food circulates in the blood as a ready energy source for any cells that need it. However, glucose requires insulin in order to be processed for cellular energy. Insulin is a hormone or chemical produced by cells in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Insulin bonds to a receptor site on the outside of a cell. It acts like a key to open a doorway into the cell through which glucose can enter. When there is not enough insulin produced (as is the case with type 1 diabetes) or when the doorway no longer recognizes the insulin key (which happens in type 2 and gestational diabetes), glucose stays in the bloodstream rather entering the cells. The high blood glucose, or blood Continue reading >>
Hypoglycemia In Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose (blood sugar), is a common complication that can occur with diabetes. The challenge for parents of children with type 1 diabetes is to know how to detect the symptoms of hypoglycemia and effectively treat it. This article addresses both those considerations. But first, it's important to have a solid understanding of hypoglycemia. EndocrineWeb has a comprehensive article series on this complication—and we invite you to read them to learn more. Below is a selection of hypoglycemia resources to get you started: Detecting Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia occurs when your child's blood glucose levels fall below his or her target range. Target ranges are determined by your child's doctor and are unique to each child. For instance, your child may feel fine with a blood glucose reading of 70, but another child could show hypoglycemia symptoms with a reading slightly above 70.1 Knowing your child's target range and ensuring his or her blood glucose level stays within it is the main objective. If hypoglycemia isn't detected early on, it can cause serious problems, such as seizure or loss of consciousness. So what can you do to prevent your child's hypoglycemia from becoming a potentially serious problem? First and foremost, you should understand the symptoms. These include: Sweating Hunger Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Shakiness Headache Fatigue Pale skin Irritability Make sure that you, your family, and your child can identify the most common hypoglycemia symptoms. Treating Hypoglycemia You should talk with your doctor for specific recommendations on how to treat your child if he or she experiences an episode of hypoglycemia. But, generally, if your child has a low blood glucose meter reading and is showing hypoglycemia symptoms, the goal i Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Definition, Causes And Symptoms
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone. When your body turns the food you eat into energy (also called sugar or glucose), insulin is released to help transport this energy to the cells. Insulin acts as a “key.” Its chemical message tells the cell to open and receive glucose. If you produce little or no insulin, or are insulin resistant, too much sugar remains in your blood. Blood glucose levels are higher than normal for individuals with diabetes. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. What is Type 1 diabetes? When you are affected with Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes, since it is often diagnosed in children or teens. This type accounts for 5-10 percent of people with diabetes. What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the cells are unable to use insulin properly, which is called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is commonly called “adult-onset diabetes” since it is diagnosed later in life, generally after the age of 45. 90-95 percent of people with diabetes have this type. In recent years Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in younger people, including children, more frequently than in the past. Are there other forms of diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and affects about 18 percent of all pregnancies, according to the American Diabetes Association. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but once you've had gestational diabetes, your chances are higher that it will happen in future pregnancies. In some women pregnancy uncovers Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and these women will need to continue d Continue reading >>
Classroom Presentation On Diabetes For Elementary School Age Children
Be sure that the school, the family and the child with diabetes are comfortable with the idea of a classroom presentation. Decide the date, time, place, and format of the presentation with the school and child in advance. Your child may want to help the presenter choose the specific topics to be discussed. Some children may also want to assist with presenting the information, while others may prefer to be part of the audience. The idea is to create an open, accepting environment in the classroom, not to make any child feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. There should not be any surprises for the child on the day of the presentation. Keep the presentation brief—a maximum of 15-20 minutes, including a question and answer period. Children are more likely to absorb information that is presented in a brief, concise format. More information is not necessarily better. Provide simple basic facts to begin with. Offer more detailed information only as the children ask for it, and they may not. Most children find it less embarrassing to have a doll or stuffed animal be the focus of a presentation. Simply find a doll or stuffed animal that the child likes and attach a medical identification bracelet to the arm. Bring a diabetes play kit rather than using the child’s actual care kit for demonstration. A play diabetes care kit could include: Needless lancing device, needless syringe, an old bottle of insulin, alcohol wipes, a glucose meter, expired test strips, and a juice box or glucose tablets. Prepare for the question and answer period prior to arriving at the school. It is a good idea to contact one of your medical providers to review the basic information several weeks before the scheduled presentation. Suggested Presentation Outline Everyone needs something called insulin to Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes In Children
What You Need to Know about Type 2 Diabetes in Children A review of the ADA Consensus Statement on "Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents" Introduction There has been growing concern about the recent sharp increase in reported cases of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. Several studies have documented this epidemic. In light of this and the fact that little is known about type 2 diabetes in children, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) developed a panel of experts to review current trends and to develop consensus about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of type 2 diabetes in young people. The consensus statement, Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents, was published in the March, 2000 issue of Diabetes Care. We present here a simplified summary of that consensus statement for the lay public. Types of Diabetes in Children Type 1 diabetes (diabetes caused by a defect in the immune system which leads to destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells) has classically always been considered the only type of diabetes in children except in rare instances. Indeed, type 1 diabetes was called "juvenile diabetes" in the past. However, some recent findings suggest that somewhere between 8 - 45% of newly diagnosed children with diabetes, may indeed have type 2 (insulin deficiency due to other factors). At the time of diagnosis, it may not be possible for the classification to be correctly determined, because symptoms and findings often are similar. Types of Diabetes in Children Type 1 (immune-mediated) Diabetes Usually not obese; often recent weight loss Short duration of symptoms (thirst and frequent urination) Presence of ketones at diagnosis with about 35% presenting with ketoacidosis. Often a honeymoon period after blood sugars are in control duri Continue reading >>
Hey Kids, Learn About Blood Sugar And Diabetes
Children and teens need to watch what they eat for a lot of reasons. One of them is that a healthy diet can help prevent diabetes, a dangerous disease that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your digestive system breaks down foods and beverages that contain carbohydrates — like grains, fruits and vegetables — down into sugar. Certain foods, like whole grains, many fruits and vegetables and other high-fiber foods, take longer to digest. This helps keep the amount of sugar in your blood from going too high. But refined grains, potatoes and foods high in added sugar are digested fast and are quickly delivered into the bloodstream as sugar. If your blood sugar goes high too often, it can overwork your body’s ability to keep your blood sugar in healthy ranges, and you’re more likely to develop diabetes. What is diabetes? In diabetes, the body has problems either using or making a hormone called insulin. Insulin is important because it helps your body turn sugar and other food into energy. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it causes too much sugar to build up in your blood, which can cause damage to your heart and other parts of your body. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes means the body does not make enough insulin to function properly. It is the type of diabetes that occurs mostly in very young people and comes on very suddenly. Type 2 diabetes often develops in a person over time because of bad habits. Being overweight and not getting enough regular physical activity are two bad habits that can lead to developing diabetes. Teenagers are now starting to develop type 2 diabetes. Once a person has type 2 diabetes, they are at risk for problems with almost every part of their body if they don’t take good Continue reading >>
Children & Type 1 Diabetes
When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the role of a caregiver becomes more important than ever. Family life and daily routines may seem more complicated in the beginning. Over time, and with the support of your diabetes team, this will change. You will discover that your child can have a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes. Caring for a child with diabetes Testing blood glucose (sugar) and giving insulin may seem overwhelming in the beginning. As you work with your diabetes team you will learn about diabetes and become more confident. It is important that you become comfortable with caring for your child’s diabetes so that you can help your child become comfortable too. As the caregiver of a child with type 1 diabetes, you will help them with: Monitoring blood glucose Administering insulin Having regular meals and snacks Balancing food, medication and physical activity Recognizing the signs of low and high blood glucose Talking to your child about diabetes The way you talk to your child about diabetes will have a big impact on how they perceive their diabetes and themself. Being positive and supportive will help boost your child’s self-esteem. Talk to your child about how foods fit into a healthy lifestyle. For example, no single food should be described as “bad” or “junk.” Describe blood glucose levels as “in target,” “high,” or “low.” Try to avoid describing blood glucose levels as “good” or “bad.” Remember that diabetes is only one part of a child’s life. Talk to you child about other important things that are happening in their life such as school, sports and social events. Involving other caregivers It is important that other caregivers understand your child’s diabetes and know how to care for them. Members of you Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Tips For Children
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic (ongoing) condition characterised by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Children are most commonly affected by type 1 diabetes, although a growing number of young people are developing type 2 diabetes, a type of diabetes more commonly diagnosed in adults. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease (caused by the body's own immune system) in which the body attacks its own beta cells (the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas). This means the pancreas produces little or no insulin to regulate blood sugar, resulting in abnormally high levels of blood sugar. It most commonly develops during childhood, which is why it is also sometimes known as juvenile onset diabetes. People who have type 1 diabetes need to take daily insulin to regulate their blood sugar. Tips to help your school-aged child manage diabetes 1: Be aware of your child's feelings Young children who have been diagnosed with diabetes sometimes misunderstand their condition. They might feel that they are being punished for something they have done, or they might feel guilty and ashamed of their diabetes. You might find that your child believes you have the power to make their diabetes go away or, on the other hand, you might find that your child blames you for their condition and becomes hostile towards you for a time. Whatever your child may be feeling, you can help by teaching your child to have a sense of control over their condition. 2: Be protective, but don't be overprotective It's all too easy for anxious parents to be overprotective, particularly when their child has a Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Differences Between Type 1 And 2 - Topic Overview
In general, people with diabetes either have a total lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or they have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively (type 2 diabetes). Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes), accounts for 5 to 10 out of 100 people who have diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which they need to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) can develop at any age. It most commonly becomes apparent during adulthood. But type 2 diabetes in children is rising. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of people who have diabetes-90 to 95 out of 100 people. In type 2 diabetes, the body isn't able to use insulin the right way. This is called insulin resistance. As type 2 diabetes gets worse, the pancreas may make less and less insulin. This is called insulin deficiency. How are these diseases different? Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Symptoms usually start in childhood or young adulthood. People often seek medical help, because they are seriously ill from sudden symptoms of high blood sugar. The person may not have symptoms before diagnosis. Usually the disease is discovered in adulthood, but an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with the disease. Episodes of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) are common. There are no episodes of low blood sugar level, unless the person is taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines. It cannot be prevented. It can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy wei Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Children And Teens
Until recently, the common type of diabetes in children and teens was type 1. It was called juvenile diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose,or sugar, get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much sugar stays in the blood. Now younger people are also getting type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes. But now it is becoming more common in children and teens, due to more obesity. With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well. Children have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if they are overweight or have obesity, have a family history of diabetes, or are not active. Children who are African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander also have a higher risk. To lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in children Have them maintain a healthy weight Be sure they are physically active Have them eat smaller portions of healthy foods Limit time with the TV, computer, and video Children and teens with type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet and exercise. If not, patients will need to take oral diabetes medicines or insulin. A blood test called the A1C can check on how you are managing your diabetes. Continue reading >>
