Over the years, diabetes has become one of the most devastating health problems in the United States and abroad. Nevertheless, a lot of people know little about diabetes.
They’ve heard about it and they know someone who has it. However, few people fully understand this complicated problem. It is important to understand that diabetes can impact people of all ages.
Has your child been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? If so, you need to put together a plan to conquer this problem as quickly as possible. Working with a skilled doctor is highly recommended.
Within this guide, you’re going to learn more about type 1 diabetes in children.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes in Children?
First, you should learn more about type 1 diabetes in children. When a child has type 1 diabetes, the child’s body is unable to produce enough insulin.
It is important to understand that any child needs insulin to survive. If the child cannot produce enough insulin, they’ll need to take insulin injections to offset the problem.
Over the years, type 1 diabetes has been referred to as several names, including insulin-dependent diabetes and juvenile diabetes.
When your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you’re going to be overwhelmed. In the beginning, you’ll likely have a difficult time dealing with it. The good news is that you can fix the issue.
You won’t be able to fully cure type 1 diabetes for your child, but you can stop the symptoms. Properly managing type 1 diabetes is pertinent to ensuring that your child can live a healthy, happy life.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Now that you’ve learned more about type 1 diabetes in children, it is wise to learn about the symptoms. What will happen to your child? What symptoms will they experience?
Well, there is a good chance that they’re going to develop an increased thirst. Children with this condition will also experience more frequent urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, and unexpected weight loss. Their mood may become irritable and change rapidly.
If you suspect that your child has type 1 diabetes, it is pertinent to find out as soon as possible. Contact your child’s doctor so you can find out. If they have type 1 diabetes, it is vital to begin treading the problem as quickly as possible.
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
One of the biggest problems with type 1 diabetes is that there is no known cause. People aren’t sure what causes type 1 diabetes. However, it is believed that the condition might have something to do with the body’s immune system.
Normally, the body will fight bacteria and dangerous viruses. For a child with type 1 diabetes, there is a risk that your child’s immune system is mistakenly destroying cells that produce insulin.
In addition to this, it is believed that type 1 diabetes is caused by environmental factors and genetics.
Once these cells have been destroyed, your child’s body won’t be able to produce enough insulin. As a result, sugar will build up in the bloodstream and this could be dangerous.
Who Is More Vulnerable?
It is pertinent to understand that some people are more vulnerable to type 1 diabetes than others. For instance, there is a chance that you have a family member who has type 1 diabetes.
If so, there is a good chance that you’ll get it too. In addition to this, genetics can play a role. Finally, it should be noted that race can impact a person’s risk. If you’re a white non-Hispanic person, your risk of getting type 1 diabetes is much higher.
Type 1 Diabetes Complications
As a parent with a child who has type 1 diabetes, it is pertinent to protect your child. If you aren’t aggressive about fixing the problem, there is a risk that your child will experience certain problems.
For instance, there is a risk that your child will experience heart or blood vessel disease. On top of this, you’ll have to worry about nerve, kidney, and eye damage. Osteoporosis is another potential risk. Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes need to be very careful.
Monitor and watch the disease carefully to minimize the risks involved. The most common complication of diabetes in children is kidney damaged, followed by heart and eye disease.
There is no doubt, children are the most vulnerable diabetics in the world, which is why it is even more crucial than ever for their parents to monitor their blood glucose levels, medication regimen, and progress.
Diabetes Children Medication
Like adults, children with diabetes are required to monitor their diet, blood glucose levels, and physical activity. They must also follow a strict medication regimen, which includes oral and injectable medicines.
Children with Type I diabetes are almost always prescribed insulin, such as Novolin, in addition to the quick onset, rapid-acting insulin has a short duration compared to short- and intermediate-acting insulin.
There are different types of insulin prescribed to children. Long-acting insulin helps young diabetes maintain optimal blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period. Levemir (insulin detemir), Tresiba (insulin degludec), and Lantus (insulin glargin) are all examples of long-acting insulin. This type of insulin has an onset of 30 to 90 minutes and a duration of 14 to 24 hours.
Some children are prescribed pre-mixed insulin, which is administered two or three times a day. The onset for pre-mixed insulin is 30 minutes while the duration is between 14 and 24 hours, similar to that of long-lasting insulin.
Oral Diabetes Medicine for Children
Children with Type II diabetes are often prescribed oral medications. The most common oral diabetes medicine prescribed to young children is metformin (Glumetza) and liraglutide (Victoza.) These medications are combined with regular blood glucose measurements, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Metformin diabetes medicine works by minimizing the volume of glucose released in the bloodstream by the liver, resulting in lower blood glucose levels. Liraglutide, on the other hand, works by boosting the amount of insulin released in the bloodstream by the pancreas after each meal.
Your child’s endocrinologist will provide you with a blood glucose measurement schedule and medication regimen that must be followed to a tee.
