Pediatric Diabetes

Pediatric diabetes refers to diabetes that occurs in children and adolescents. The two main types of diabetes that can affect children are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, with type 1 being the most common in younger populations.

Managing pediatric diabetes requires a team approach involving pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to support the child and family in achieving optimal diabetes management and overall well-being. Early diagnosis, education, and effective management strategies can help children with diabetes live healthy and active lives.

Type 1 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes in children and adolescents. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes:-Once rare in children, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent due to rising obesity rates. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Symptoms And Management

Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

• Symptoms of Pediatric diabetes:- Common symptoms of diabetes in children include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision.
• Pediatric diabetes:- Diagnosis often involves blood tests such as fasting blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.
• Type 1 Diabetes Management:-Involves daily insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump. Blood sugar levels need to be monitored regularly, and adjustments made to insulin doses based on factors like food intake, activity levels, and illness.
• Type 2 Diabetes Management:- Focuses on lifestyle changes including diet modifications, regular physical activity, and in some cases, oral medications or insulin therapy.