Pediatric diabetes, commonly referred to as diabetes in children, can be either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes, which is more prevalent in children, causes the body’s immune system to unintentionally assault and kill insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Children’s type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with lifestyle choices including obesity and inactivity.
According to the latest statistics from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Type 1 DM affects approximately 500,000 children aged below 15 worldwide.
The symptoms and causes of diabetes depends on the type of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes:
Symptoms:
Excessive thirst and hunger
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Blurred vision
Irritability
Bedwetting (in previously toilet-trained children)
Yeast infections
Causes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The exact cause is not known, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Symptoms:
Excessive thirst and hunger
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Dark patches on the skin
Causes:
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as some children may have a family history of the condition.
It’s important to note that the symptoms can vary, and not all children will exhibit all of them. If you suspect your child may have diabetes, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.
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