A solution to the diabetes mystery

There’s nothing more frustrating than a mystery you can’t solve.

Imagine, your child appears to be healthy but suddenly develops an autoimmune disease with flu-like symptoms that seem to be like any other health conditions. That’s the case for those with Type 1 Diabetes. But, why is that?

“As young as eight months can have it, but usually it happens to children who are four to seven years old. It doesn’t discriminate on gender,” Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto, diplomate of the Philippine Pediatric Society, said at a recent awareness event by health, beauty and wellness retailer Watsons.

As described by the World Health Organization, Type 1 Diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is often characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known.

Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood glucose. People with Type 1 Diabetes need insulin injections for survival.

“We encourage children to take their blood sugar before eating and before sleeping. That’s how many times a day? Sometimes the prick itself can cause infection. Thankfully, they have a continuous glucose monitor now. You have to replace that every two weeks. Plus it’s very expensive,” Ignacio-Alberto said.

Symptoms

Abnormal thirst. Most of the time, kids with Type 1 Diabetes will present with increased thirst. They drink more than the required fluid intake.

Frequent urination. A toilet-trained child may start wetting the bed.

Unexplained weight loss. They eat too much but are not gaining weight.

Children who experience severe tiredness and blurred vision are likely to also have Type 1 Diabetes.

Special diet

A fiber and low-fat diet are encouraged for children with the disease.

“People think diabetes is a sugar problem only. We also recommend good protein for their diet,” Ignacio-Albert said.

On the other hand, she adds that there are no limitations on what physical activities that children can do.

“But they have to check their blood sugar first before doing anything because if their blood sugar is down it could cause hypoglycemia which is dangerous, it triggers seizure,” she said.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition often diagnosed in childhood. According to the World Population Review, cases of T1D are increasing by 6.1 percent annually, significantly outpacing the 3.8 percent growth rate of Type 2 diabetes.

This rise underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and proper management, which includes blood sugar monitoring, regular insulin therapy, balanced nutrition, exercise, and emotional support. By focusing on these key areas, families and healthcare providers can help children with T1D lead healthier, more fulfilling lives despite the challenges the condition presents.

Tips

Planning is key to long-term diabetes care for children.

Keep up with regular check-ups. Schedule physical exams every year to stay updated on their well-being.

Book vaccine appointments. High blood sugar affects immunology function that’s why it’s important to stay on top of their vaccinations.

Plan eye exams. Diabetes is related to eye condition. Make sure to add eye exams, too.

It’s better to tailor-fit your plans for better managing your child’s diabetes by consulting your pediatrician.

“There’s so many misconceptions. The parents are being blamed most of the time. We can’t identify any risk factor the will categorize any child as high risk for diabetes. Most of all, emotional support is important. You may experience caregiver fatigue and patient fatigue. You have to take care of yourself, too,” Ignacio-Alberto said.