A disease that haunts adults’ lives and brings so many worries and precautions, unfortunately also affects children. Childhood diabetes currently affects around one million children throughout Brazil and has caused a lot of distress among parents. There are two types of diabetes: type I, which affects mostly children and adolescents, and type II, which generally affects adults over 40 years old.

Diabetes itself is a change that occurs in the functioning of the pancreas, which is responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for turning glucose or sugar found in the body into energy for the body to function properly.

The amount of glucose or sugar found in the body depends on the amount of carbohydrate-rich foods consumed, such as bread, pasta, potatoes, etc. The greater the intake of these foods, the harder the pancreas has to work, and if its functioning is impaired, it will cause blood sugar levels to become extremely high.

Parents are not always able to easily recognize that their child is suffering from childhood diabetes, as the symptoms can often be “masked” as other health problems. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to certain symptoms and, if in doubt, seek a pediatrician’s help immediately.

Symptoms of Type 1 Childhood Diabetes

  • Weight loss
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tingling in the limbs

Physical tiredness, dizziness, and in some cases even fainting from weakness can mean that your child is suffering from childhood diabetes. Many mothers attribute weakness and weight loss to poor nutrition and loss of appetite, and end up not investigating and discovering the problem early on.

The sooner childhood diabetes is identified and diagnosed, the better and more effective the treatment. Usually, the diagnosis is made through blood and urine analysis after ingestion of a certain amount of glucose, which must be performed fasting in a laboratory.

What Is the Treatment for Childhood Diabetes?

Treatment for type I diabetes is usually done through daily insulin injections, with the ideal amount administered according to the child’s needs and for controlling blood glucose levels.

Monitoring glucose levels should be done using a small device that makes a tiny, almost painless prick on the finger tip and immediately shows the current reading.

A few years ago, it became law and a right guaranteed by the Federal Constitution that every diabetic patient is entitled to necessary medication and equipment free of charge. It is recommended to visit your local health clinic and ask for information on how to obtain your kit.

Type II diabetes, which is rarer in children but has been becoming more common, does not require medication for control, but instead a balanced diet and control of glucose intake through food, along with physical exercise to help the body function better.

In general, a child with childhood diabetes can lead a normal life, with normal activities, taking care with their diet and, if necessary, taking medication correctly following the doctor’s recommendations.

See also: Child Nutrition – BLW Method

Photo: Martin Gommel