A few years ago, children were seldom diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; this medical condition was quite a rare occurrence in young children, but it is not rare anymore. If your child is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, obviously you will be worried, but you must understand that with various advancements in the medical field, such a condition can be easily managed now. Let us discuss more on type 2 diabetes in children, what are the causes of this ailment, its signs and also learn about various treatment options available.
When we consume carbohydrates our body breaks it down into glucose. The pancreas release insulin, a hormone that helps in the movement of this glucose from our blood to the various cells in our body, which in turn is used by our body as a form of fuel. However, when the insulin in your child’s body is unable to function, the glucose keeps getting collected in the bloodstream, making the levels of sugar in the body too high. Therefore, type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to process sugar. Insulin resistance may also lead to various other conditions such as kidney failure, blindness, and heart diseases too.
Many times type 2 diabetes may be mistaken for type 1 diabetes, until the more comprehensive tests are performed. However, there is a substantial amount of difference in both the types of diabetes. Where type 1 diabetes majorly occurs due to problems with the immune system, on the other hand, type 2 diabetes is generally seen in children because of hereditary reasons, but it is majorly due to the unhealthy or wrong lifestyle.
Following are some of the reasons that may cause diabetes in children:
Type 2 diabetes is more likely to affect kids in the following conditions:
Here are some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children:
If your child is thirsty all the time, this may be due to the increased levels of sugar in his blood.
Does your child keeps running to the bathroom for peeing every now and then? If yes, then this could be alarming. More amount of sugar in the blood leads to more sugar in the urine, and thus it explains the more bathroom visits.
If your child is hungrier than usual, this may be due to the undigested sugar in the body that decreases the body’s energy resources. As diabetic children do not have enough insulin in their body to fuel up their body’s cells, food becomes the next resource. Hence, a child eats more than usual.
As the body’s energy resources deplete, your kid may feel tired and lethargic, and this could be an indication that he may be suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Your child may suffer from acanthosis nigricans, a condition where the skin starts turning dark, particularly, around the armpits and neck. This usually happens when there is increased sugar levels in the body.
If your child was injured and has a wound which is not healing, it could indicate to type 2 diabetes. Increased sugar levels in the body hamper the healing process, and it may take longer than usual for the wound to heal completely.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to various other health complications, if not managed properly or if it remains undiagnosed. Here are some complications that may impact a child’s body if he suffers from type 2 diabetes:
Here are some common complications:
The long-term complications of type 2 diabetes occur gradually as your child grows. Some of the type 2 diabetes complications that are mentioned above may become severe and in some cases, these conditions can also lead to life-threatening conditions.
If your doctor suspects that your kid may be suffering from type 2 diabetes, your doctor may do a thorough check-up of your kid and may conduct the following tests too:
The course of treatment for children is similar to that of adults. However, it may vary as per the severity and health of your child. Here are some treatment options that may be prescribed by your doctor:
You may have to keep monitoring your child’s blood sugar on a regular basis. You may have to procure a blood glucose checking device for the same.
Your child may be given special dietary instructions that he should adhere to, and he may also be told about various exercises to lose weight and be healthy.
Here are some tips that you may help your child manage this condition in a better way:
As the famous saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so if you are wondering whether childhood type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the following points may answer your query:
The moment you spot the signs of type 2 diabetes in your toddler, seek immediate medical help. If this ailment remains undiagnosed, it may lead to life-threatening complications in kids of all age group. Prompt medical help will not only control your child’s symptoms, but it will also lower the chances of complications too.
Of course, if your child has type 2 diabetes, you will be worried, but don’t lose hope. Prompt diagnosis and medical assistance can help control this condition.