Confronting Diabetes in Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimate that around 250 million people in the world are currently suffering from Type 1 diabetes. It is also alarming to note that diabetes in children has achieved a frightening rate of 200 children being affected per day. Warning bells were sounded when children were also found to be affected by Type 2 diabetes, commonly referred to as ‘adult onset diabetes.’ But that distinction has now been erased with more children getting affected by Type 2 rather that Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes is a disorder wherein the body either produces insufficient quantities of insulin or fails to respond to it. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which plays a vital role in the metabolism of glucose, the fuel of our body. Due to its inadequate production or the body’s reduced sensitivity to it, glucose cannot be properly metabolised and thus its concentration in the blood increases. This excess glucose is excreted in the urine leading to a condition called ‘glycosuria’ (sweet urine). Diabetes can be classified as Type 1 if the pancreas fails to produce insulin. This happens because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells) are destroyed by the immune system in an autoimmune response. Type 2 diabetes occurs due to either insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas or due to reduced insulin sensitivity.

All around the world, countries have reported an alarming rate at which children are being affected by diabetes. The primary symptoms of diabetes in children are thirst, weight loss, tiredness and frequent urination. Symptoms that are typically seen more often in children are abdominal pains, headaches and behavioral problems.

According to IDF figures, Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3% in children and adolescents and 6% per year in pre-school children. Type 2 diabetes is growing at variable but equally alarming rates throughout the world. The mortality rate for diabetic children is significantly higher than that in adult diabetics. Children are more prone to developing a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which itself leads to a majority of diabetes-related deaths in children.

Diabetes cannot be treated but it can be managed. A child suffering from diabetes can still enjoy a healthy and normal life. But this requires careful management of the disease. Managing diabetes in children includes keeping blood sugar levels normal, improving insulin sensitivity and preventing complications associated with diabetes including, kidney disorders, eye diseases and nerve damage. Most children require insulin therapy. Carefully calculated dosages of insulin need to be administered everyday. Also essential is blood glucose testing. This could be done by using hand-held glucose monitors. An overhaul in lifestyle is also required. The daily diet has to be planned to avoid problems like obesity and increase or decrease in blood sugar levels. Exercising needs to be made a part of the daily routine.

The IDF and WHO have initiated a massive program to educate people about this rising epidemic. They have put special emphasis on refining current diagnostic procedures so that diabetes can be diagnosed at a much earlier stage. It is also the aim of these institutions to make insulin available to all diabetic children in all parts of the world. These programs are believed to make a significant change in the lives of the millions of diabetic children around the world.