The cases of pediatric diabetes are on the rise. A study by the Weifang Medical University in China speaks of +39% of the diagnoses in the last 40 years. The results of this research can be read in the specialist journal JAMA Pediatrics. Up until a few years ago, when we were talking about pediatric diabetes, we were referring to it in general type 1 diabetes. Now researchers are pointing to an increase in cases Type 2 diabetes, which mostly affected older people, including younger people. It goes without saying that the responsibility lies with wrong lifestyles. Too many overweight and sedentary children.
In this article
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Typical symptoms of diabetes in children include:
- Significant increase in thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- wounds that heal slowly
- irritability and mood swings
If a child develops one or more of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Prevention of diabetes in children
There are currently no known ways to prevent type 1 diabetes. Instead, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a balanced diet, limit the consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fat, and favor a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Physical Activity: Children should engage in regular physical activity such as outdoor play, sports, or simple physical exercise.
- Monitor children’s health at the onset of the first symptoms.
What treatments are there?
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be treated to prevent complications. Common therapies include:
- Insulin therapy: children with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels under control. There are different insulin formulations to choose from, e.g. B. Fast-acting insulin and long-acting insulin. People with type 2 diabetes follow a therapy that is individually determined by the diabetologist.
- Constant monitoring of blood sugar levels: Blood sugar levels should be monitored constantly. Balanced diet: The doctor can help create a balanced diet plan that addresses the child’s specific needs, including regular meals and counting carbohydrates.
