Diabetes (also called Diabetes Mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or deficiency. 98,000 children develop type 1 diabetes (T1D) annually, 1 in 500 children worldwide live with T1D, and 70% of children with T1D live in low- and middle-income countries (IDF, 2020).
Types of Diabetes in Children
1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin (a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and energy balance in the body). It is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells.
2. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): Here, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it resists insulin. This is often linked to obesity.
3. Monogenic Diabetes: Rare, genetic mutations affecting insulin production.
4. Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD): This is associated with cystic fibrosis – An inherited life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. Treatments may ease symptoms and reduce complications that may lead to diabetes.
5. Neonatal Diabetes: This type of diabetes is rare, and develops within the first 6 months of life.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Children
1. Increased thirst and urination
2. Fatigue
3. Blurred vision
4. Cuts or bruises that heal slowly
5. Frequent infections (e.g. yeast infections, flu-like symptoms)
6. Weight loss despite increased appetite
7. Flu-like symptoms (e.g. vomiting, stomach pain)
Risk Factors and Prevention of Diabetes in Children
1. Family history: Children can inherit diabetes from their parents or relatives.
2. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activities can predispose children to diabetes. Parents should ensure that their kids have regular physical activity (60 minutes/day).
3. Unhealthy diet: Eating unhealthy, junk foods can increase blood sugar level, as well as result in unhealthy weight gain (obesity), which in turn leads to diabetes. Parents should encourage healthy eating habits in their children. Balanced diets made up of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, are recommended. Children should also limit the intake of sugary drinks and foods. Organic foods such as Moppet, are good meal choices for babies and kids for a balanced sugar level and healthy weight gain.
4. Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic, and Native American children are more likely to develop diabetes.
5. History of gestational diabetes in mother: Intake of high amounts of sugar during pregnancy can predispose a pregnant mother to gestational diabetes which can also affect a baby. Healthy nutrition (such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products) during pregnancy is recommended.
6. Inadequate Breastfeeding: Babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least six months. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of Type 1 diabetes.
7. Irregular health check-up and screening: Newborn screening helps with early detection of diabetes. Parents should ensure that kids get annual health check-ups.
Screening Recommendations
1. Children with first-degree relatives (parent or sibling) with diabetes: Screen every 2-3 years starting at age 10.
2. Children with second-degree relatives (grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin) with diabetes: Screen every 3-5 years starting at age 10.
3. Children with risk factors (e.g. obesity, sedentary lifestyle): Screen annually
Age-Specific Guidelines for Healthy Lifestyle for Children
1. Infants (0-12 months): Breastfeeding, introduction to solid foods (from 6 months)
2. Toddlers (1-3 years): Breastfeeding, Healthy snacks, physical activity
3. Preschoolers (4-5 years): Balanced meals, outdoor play
4. School-age children (6-12 years): Regular physical activity, healthy eating habits
5. Teenagers (13-18 years): Healthy lifestyle choices (physical exercise, no drinking, no smoking), stress management.
Diabetes in children is a growing global concern. Prevention is the best medicine. Preventing diabetes in children requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates healthy lifestyle habits, nutrition, and awareness. Adopting a comprehensive approach to prevention reduces the risk of diabetes in children and promotes a lifetime of healthy habits.