Diabetes in Children
Diabetes can affect individuals of all ages, including young children and even infants, although it is relatively rare in infants. It is the most common chronic metabolic disorder. The diagnosis of diabetes can significantly impact the daily life of young patients, and the entire family must learn to cope with the new situation.
However, children with diabetes can lead relatively normal lives. To make this possible, it is crucial that the therapy is managed effectively and that everyone around them is well-informed about the condition. Treatment in Switzerland adheres to the highest modern standards in managing diabetes. Young patients receive age-appropriate education and psychological support. An individualized treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the whole family.
Diabetes in children can develop rapidly, with symptoms becoming noticeable within a few days, while the risk of complications can emerge within a few weeks. Therefore, it is essential for parents to remain vigilant in order to diagnose the condition at an early stage.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by hyperglycemia, which means elevated blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia is caused by a dysfunction in the production of insulin by the pancreas.
The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2, with other, less common types as well. However, type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children.
Why do children develop diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes can develop due to genetic factors and mutations in specific genes. Environmental factors, including certain viral or bacterial infections, also play a role. A deficiency of vitamin D3 is sometimes mentioned as a factor. It's important to note that in children, the cause is typically a genetic mutation, while external environmental factors can influence the timing of the onset of the disease.
In recent years, there has been a dynamic increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes among children.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Environmental factors play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, just as they do in adults.
These factors include improper diet and low physical activity, leading to obesity and excess body weight.
Diagnosing diabetes: What limitations does it pose for children and adolescents?
For children with type 1 diabetes, intensive education takes place in Swiss clinics on how to manage the disease. Regular blood sugar level measurements and insulin administration become part of their daily lives, requiring a high level of discipline from both young patients and their families. Nutrition plays a crucial role in this process. As long as insulin is administered regularly and blood sugar levels are controlled, children with diabetes have no physical restrictions. They can play and engage in normal activities.
How does therapy work?
When diabetes is diagnosed in children, the primary goal is to treat acute symptoms. Once young patients stabilize after the diagnosis, clinics offer education to both them and their parents on diabetes management, including blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration techniques. Regular check-ups and examinations, are also discussed to prevent secondary illnesses. These check-ups are determined individually based on the child's age and the severity of the disease, in consultation with the treating diabetes specialist and pediatrician.
Managing a child with diabetes
It's important to raise awareness among children and adolescents and spread knowledge about the condition. Special attention should be given to topics related to acute diabetes management, so the child is aware of conditions such as hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis.
It's important to talk to the child about potential complications of the disease and emphasize the need to adhere to restrictions to prevent worsening health. Diabetes can lead to kidney failure or blindness. Monitoring glucose levels is vital to ensure the good physical and mental development of children and improve the quality of life for young patients.