Published November 14,2024
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Diabetes is a standard situation not solely amongst adults but additionally in kids, with a rising variety of circumstances linked to environmental components. However, medical developments have enabled kids with diabetes to stay wholesome lives.
Diabetes, a significant public well being situation at present, impacts one in each eight individuals worldwide, and its prevalence in kids can be growing. The frequency of diabetes in kids is estimated to be 0.4% per thousand.
This illness, which causes blood sugar ranges to stay elevated because of ineffective or inadequate insulin manufacturing, can result in severe well being issues if left untreated. To elevate consciousness about this important well being situation, numerous occasions are held yearly on World Diabetes Day, November 14. We spoke with Prof. Dr. Heves Kırmızıbekmez from the Children’s Endocrinology Department at Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital about diabetes in kids.
TYPE 1 DIABETES IS COMMON IN CHILDREN
The majority of diabetes circumstances in kids are Type 1. Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez explains Type 1 diabetes as follows:
“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Environmental factors can trigger the immune system to incorrectly attack the body’s own cells. In this case, the body produces antibodies against its own tissues, including the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. These antibodies destroy the cells that produce insulin.”
Insulin is likely one of the important hormones wanted to maintain life. Its position is to assist glucose from meals enter the cells and be transformed into vitality. Without sufficient insulin, glucose can’t enter the cells and can’t be transformed into vitality, main to numerous well being issues.
SIGNS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES IN CHILDREN
Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez highlights that when kids drink extreme quantities of water, urinate incessantly, and reduce weight, diabetes ought to be suspected, and blood sugar exams ought to be carried out.
INFECTIONS CAN TRIGGER DIABETES İN CHILDREN
Type 1 diabetes typically emerges after infections, significantly round faculty age (3-4 years outdated) or throughout puberty, when hormonal adjustments could set off the situation. However, in recent times, environmental adjustments have led to an increase in diabetes circumstances in kids underneath 5 years outdated. About 90-95% of Type 1 diabetes circumstances are identified earlier than the age of 18.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RISING CASES
Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez factors out a number of environmental components that contribute to the rise in childhood diabetes, together with publicity to chemical compounds, meals components, pesticides, viral infections, and extreme use of chemical compounds and disinfectants, which can hinder the right growth of the immune system. Lack of breastfeeding, unhealthy diets, severe diseases, surgical procedures, and trauma may set off autoimmune ailments in kids. In some circumstances, kids from households with vital psychosocial points are extra susceptible to growing these circumstances.
DIABETES EDUCATION AS A KEY PART OF TREATMENT
When a baby is identified with Type 1 diabetes, remedy begins within the hospital. Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez explains: “After a diagnosis, we usually prefer to observe the child in the hospital for about 7-10 days to replenish lost fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients. We also begin insulin therapy, which is a natural treatment identical to the insulin the body would normally produce.”
Diabetes schooling is an important a part of the remedy course of. Knowledgeable diabetes nurse teaches each the kid and the household the right way to handle day by day remedies. Dietitians additionally present detailed steering on meals content material. Once the affected person is ready to handle diabetes independently, they’re discharged.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES MAKE LIVING WITH DIABETES EASIER
While diabetes requires lifelong remedy, technological developments have made managing the situation simpler. Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez describes advances in remedy: “In the past, insulin was administered by injection, but now there are more practical pen devices. There are also insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems available.”
CHILDREN WITH DIABETES CAN LEAD NORMAL LIVES
When it involves kids with diabetes, many surprise in the event that they can stay regular lives like their friends. Prof. Dr. Kırmızıbekmez emphasizes that kids with Type 1 diabetes aren’t restricted from any explicit meals, so long as they keep a wholesome life-style. “There are no dietary restrictions as long as the child remains healthy. We advise against unhealthy foods, but children with Type 1 diabetes can eat a balanced diet, just like other children.”
In at present’s world, diabetes is not a illness to worry. Children with diabetes can stay regular lives, so long as their blood sugar is saved inside wholesome limits.
Source: www.anews.com.tr