The number of diabetic children is on the rise globally. Children usually suffer from type 1 diabetes and approximately 90-95 percent children below the age of 16 are affected by this disease.
Type 1 diabetes falls under the category of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which the immune system of the body harms or attacks its own organs and tissues. This disease is caused when the pancreatic cells that produce insulin are destroyed.
Diabetes in children is mostly caused by a combination of environmental and genetic triggers. Studies, though, have surprisingly shown that most diabetic kids do not have a family history of diabetes.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Children
Let us now know the symptoms of diabetic children, though they are quite similar to those of adult patients:
* Frequent urination
* Feeling of thirst
* Exhaustion
* Weight loss
* Stomach aches and pains
* Behavioral problems
* Headaches
Treating Kids’ Diabetes
Children usually need insulin treatment for combating the disease. But, the dosage needs to be decided by a medical practitioner. Children are given slow-acting insulin at night and fast-acting insulin during the day. Older kids are given insulin pumps as well.
Parents play a very important role in taking care of children suffering from diabetes. Parents should ensure that their child gets proper physical activity on a regular basis. Swimming, sports activities help lower the glucose levels in the blood. Time spent on watching television should be reduced.
Diet plays an extremely important role in controlling diabetes. A healthy diet goes a long way. Cut down on the pizzas and burgers and give them a protein-rich diet. In fact, parents need to consult a dietician for a proper diet routine. A dietician will help parents decide on how much the child should eat, keeping in mind the weight and age of the child. Sprouts, wheat flour mixed with soya flour, oatmeal, lots of greens, and a fiber-rich diet will help control diabetes in children.
Living with diabetes is indeed a difficult task for not only the ailing child, but also for the family members. The entire family needs to gel in well together for support. Treatment of diabetes requires a lot of patience, especially on the part of parents. They need to learn how to administer insulin injections and what to do when the blood sugar levels fall or rise above the stipulated levels.
Measuring glucose levels in the blood is another way to maintain it. Not only parents but children should also know how to measure blood sugar levels. Regular check-ups, a nutritious diet, and lots of physical activity will help control the plight of diabetic children.
Tags: Diabetes children, Diabetes in children, kids diabetes
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