On November 14 each year we celebrate WORLD DIABETES DAY. There is yet another and important connect associated with 14 November – CHILDREN’S DAY. Besides these two connects, there is yet another Coincidence – the theme for World Diabetes Day 2019 is Family and Diabetes.
Keeping in accordance with the uniqueness associated with this DATE & the theme being the in PERFECT SYNC – It is important that we unite together in spreading a very important message to the world on how FAMILY CARE & SUPPORT is a MUST when it comes to Diabetes.
This is Part 2 of a 4 series on “Diabetes Mellitus”
Diabetes in Children calls for a BALANCED LIFESTYLE
“Be a part of the BLUE CIRCLE of LIFE”
“Spread a WORD and Save a LIFE”.
Parents are always excited to teach their children. The first learnings begins with study of alphabets…
A for Apple
B for Ball
C for Cat
D for Doll
For a few parents the excitement to teach alphabets to their children stops at the letter “D”… D becomes the most dreaded alphabet for their child just got diagnosed with diabetes.
“D” for Diabetes 😦
Their children just need to accept & associate “D” with Diabetes 😦
These are the parents whose children are either at risk or have been diagnosed with Type I diabetes. The alphabet D reminds them of “DIABETES” and the “DANGERS” associated with this condition.
Being diagnosed with diabetes at a very early age is a life-changing event. For many children and their families, it comes as a shock and the acceptance, the fear and the challenges all multiply. Life now needs a whole lot of adjustments. But nevertheless, Diabetes can, but should not be the reason that stops your child from fulfilling his dreams.
With a little planning and preparation, life can be really exciting and entertaining for our little ones, in spite of diabetes being a part of their life.
All their normal day-to-day activities, such as exercising or even going out to eat can be easily incorporated into their new lifestyle. But first, parents need to get themselves familiarized with the challenges that they might encounter as they plan the daily routines of their children.
Time to get some more clarity on the Diabetes in Children.
Diabetes in children is classified as Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes whereas Diabetes in adults is classified as Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes often comes as a surprise to most parents.
- Type 2 diabetes is far less common in children and adolescents.
However, in recent times, due to the increasing issues of obesity and lack of physical activity and modern-day lifestyle, the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents has increased within the last 10 years, and this is of concern.
Thus, The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in children and youth. The ADA recommends that screening should begin at 10 years of age or at onset of puberty, whichever is sooner, and should occur every 3 years.
Asymptomatic children and adolescents should be screened for Type 2 diabetes if they are:
- Overweight – Body mass index (BMI) or weight for height >85th percentile for age and sex or weight >120% of ideal for height
- Family history of type 2 diabetes (first- or second-degree relative).
- Maternal history of Diabetes or Gestational diabetes during the child’s gestation.
Some Common terms to get acquainted with when it comes to Diabetes…
Three important terms – Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis – Know them well to manage Diabetes in Children.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose (blood sugar) level. The main symptoms of hyperglycemia are increased thirst and a frequent need to urinate.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is characterized as low blood sugar. People with diabetes have chances of a hypoglycemia attack when their bodies do not have enough sugar to use as fuel. Lack of food on time and exercise may also trigger hypoglycemia.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening. It affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel source because there is no insulin or not enough insulin. In such situations, the body now resorts to the breakdown of fat for the fuel.
As fat is broken down, acids called ketones build up in the blood and urine. In high levels, ketones are poisonous. This condition is known as ketoacidosis.
Headache, muscle stiffness, deep, rapid breathing, dry skin and mouth, flushed face, fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, and stomach pain, frequent urination or thirst that lasts for a day or more are the common symptoms associated with it.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis is sometimes the first sign of Type 1 Diabetes in children who have not yet been diagnosed.
- Missing doses of insulin shots, infections or injury, can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis in people with Type 1 Diabetes.
- Ketoacidosis is rare in type 2 diabetes, but it can be usually triggered by uncontrolled blood sugar, missing doses of medications, or a severe illness.
A general lack of awareness of the disease among parents results in poor diabetes control. This lack of awareness results in children being bought to hospitals in a state of ketoacidosis.
Left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a “Diabetic Coma”, which is fatal and can result in death. Insulin and diet both play an important role in management of diabetes care.
Diabetic Care
Children love SUGARS and when they see their FRIENDS enjoying all sorts of candy & sweets without RESTRICTIONS they feel sad and/or something REBEL 😦
It therefore becomes very IMPORTANT that we take SPECIAL CARE to introduce them to the REALITY of their Health Requirements to manage their Diabetic phase with ease…Few steps to take
- A Diet plan should be made for each child to suit his individual needs and lifestyle adaptations.
- The aim of Dietary Management is to balance the child’s food intake with insulin dose and physical activities.
- These diet plans need to be updated on a regular basis to accommodate the child’s growth and routine changes.
- Also, we need to keep blood glucose concentrations balanced to avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (both conditions are extremely fatal).
No doubt, managing children with diabetes can be overwhelming at times. Few cautionary steps to be kept in mind at all times…
“Cautionary Steps”
Insulin Shots : Since Insulin is the only medicine that can keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range, Children and adolescences with type 1 diabetes must be very careful when it comes to taking insulin shots.
Food Intake : Secondly, eating a BALANCED DIET, one that includes a variety of Nutritious Foods helps their body to grow and function properly.
The amount of carbs in meals and snacks should be in BALANCE with their insulin dose. Mismatching carbs and insulin can result in either high or low blood sugar levels.
Meal Gaps : The frequency of meal times plays a crucial role in the management of diabetes. Make sure your child eats three regular meals and at least two small meals with no more than a 4-5 hours’ gap.
Bedtime Care : Adequate intake of complex carbohydrates before bedtime is important for children to avoid nocturnal hypoglycemia, especially for children who are taking injections of mixed insulin twice-daily.
Exercise : Regular physical activity is also an important part of diabetic treatment. It helps control blood sugar levels and keeps the weight in control.
Management : Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is a must in diabetes management. In general, kids with type 1 diabetes should test their blood sugar levels with a blood glucose meter at least four times a day.
Safety Measures : To ensure safety, especially at school and in the playgrounds, it is important to inform the school authorities and friends about the condition. Make sure your child carries an “Identification Bracelet”
However before spreading the news, discuss it with your child because many children feel uncomfortable about their diabetes being declared to their friends.
Fear, associated with danger is not a very motivating factor when it comes to Diabetes. More than fear, parents are required to take a step further in understanding the management of Diabetes in a better perspective so as to give their children, not only safety and protection, but a life filled with laughter and fun.
Following a few guidelines can make your child’s Life more BALANCED and FUN
Please Note – A version of this article is also available on Morsel & Juices – I was a Contributor for the Health Column – Lean Bean
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