Diabetes Awareness Month, which is observed in November, celebrates the 14th of Nov. birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting. Banting was the first to discover insulin in 1921. It’s an annual time to spread the word about a prevalent chronic childhood condition. Diabetes detection has never been more important. There was an increase in type 2 diabetes cases in children during the COVID-19 outbreak. This occurs when your body cannot make or use enough insulin.
Brynn B.Marks, MD, MSHPED, Pediatric Endocrinologist Director of Technology for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Diabetes Center for Children, says: “Whether your child has type 1 diabetes (the most common in children) or type 2, the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes must be addressed immediately.”
Marks advises that if your insulin levels are low, you might fall unwell rapidly. Insulin helps our bodies use the food we eat as fuel. If the body does not have insulin, it will use other energy sources, such as breaking down muscle or fat.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
The pancreas does not generate insulin at all in type 1 diabetics. Insulin is an important hormone that helps the cells to absorb sugar or glucose from the blood. Children with Type 1 diabetes who do not receive daily insulin can have damage to their kidneys, hearts, eyes, and nerves. You should seek immediate help if you have type 1 Diabetes.
Diet or exercise will not cure or prevent type 1 diabetes. Some families may have a genetic factor that triggers the autoimmune response to attack and destroy insulin-producing insulins. Type 1 diabetes has no known cause. I am using the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control from 2003 to 2015. The overall rate of Type 1 Diabetes in Youth younger than 19. rose from 20 to 23 per 100,000 young people.
Matt Schmidt with Diabetes Life Solutions, an online insurance agency that works with people with diabetes shares the following: “many people who live with type 1 diabetes think that they cannot qualify for affordable life insurance coverage. That’s simply not true. While rates will be higher compared to a person with out diabetes, premiums are extremely affordable. At this current moment, premiums for life insurance with type 1 diabetes have never been lower, and we expect rates to continue to drop in the future.”
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents has been on the rise in recent years. This chronic condition arises when the body’s insulin production is insufficient or the cells fail to respond effectively to insulin. The hallmark symptoms of type 2 diabetes manifest when the body’s insulin supply is inadequate to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy utilization. Dietary modifications and obesity are two of the primary factors contributing to the development of diabetes. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The complications associated with type 2 diabetes can mirror those of type 1 diabetes, potentially affecting the eyes, heart, nerves, kidneys, and other organs.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes
Marks adds that diabetes symptoms appear relatively quickly, usually within several weeks or months. Symptoms may include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Dehydration
- Blurred Vision
- persistent nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen
- Tiredness or excess drowsiness
- You may experience mood changes and irritability
- Female yeast infections
Dr. Marks explained that while these symptoms are common in all children, they can be more difficult to spot in very young ones. For example, a child who is not yet potty trained may not complain about frequent urination. In addition to weight loss in infants, it is crucial to monitor other common signs, such as constant fussiness and increased thirst.
When the body lacks sufficient insulin, it breaks down either fat or muscles for energy. This process results in the production of ketones, an alternative energy source. If this continues for an extended period, ketone production can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Type 2 Diabetes: The Covid Connection
CHOP offers comprehensive exams and blood glucose testing for children showing signs of Diabetes. CHOP Diabetes Center for Children witnessed a two-fold increase in confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes from 2019, before the COVID-19 epidemic, to 2021.
This unexpected rise in cases may be connected to lifestyle modifications during the Pandemic. As a result of pandemic restrictions and the virtual schooling implemented in recent years, Dr. Marks says there were fewer opportunities for children to exercise and move. Moreover, many children did not receive the nutritious meals offered in school caféterias.
“The incidence of type-2 diabetes cases has increased twofold during this pandemic.” Dr. Marks describes the occurrence as “remarkably untamed.” The resumption of in-person schooling has resulted in a decrease in the number of cases, states Dr. Marks.
If you have suffered from Covid 19 complications as a type 2 diabetic, expect to have issues qualifying for life, health, and disability insurance coverage, says Matt Schmidt. “In the event you have incurred Covid 19 related complications, expect to have insurance companies view you as a higher risk. As an example, life insurance for type 2 diabetics may be more expensive, or you could be postponed for coverage.”
Get Diabetes Smart During National Diabetes Month
The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes is increasing in children and adults. A family history of Diabetes, obesity, or inactivity increases the likelihood of Diabetes. A healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of diabetes. Healthy living behaviors include the following:
- Eat nutritious foods the bulk of the time.
- Avoid overeating.
- Choose whole fruits & vegetables.
- Avoid processed foods, snacks, and other junk food.
- Increase your daily physical activity.
- Avoid juices or sodas.
Adopting healthy habits can help prevent type-2 diabetes and promote overall well-being. CHOP is committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to children and their families in managing their lifestyle choices and enhancing their health knowledge. If you have any concerns about your child’s risk of diabetes, consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance. For children diagnosed with diabetes, CHOP’s Diabetes Center for Children stands as the premier pediatric endocrinology/diabetes center in the nation, consistently ranked Number 1 by U.S. News & World Report. Their holistic treatment plan ensures that your child receives expert care while empowering your family with the knowledge and tools to navigate diabetes effectively. This program empowers you and your children to embrace a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.