Diabetes occurs when there is a high level of blood sugar due to a lack of insulin production or response in the body.
Sugar exists in different forms, with sucrose and lactose being common types. Glucose is the primary sugar that the body utilizes for energy.
Managing diabetes requires monitoring blood sugar levels, following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Complications of diabetes can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. It is important for individuals with diabetes to work closely with healthcare providers to manage their condition and prevent potential complications.
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The pancreas releases insulin to regulate blood glucose levels and helps move glucose into cells for energy.
Insulin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot enter cells and builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can have serious health consequences, such as diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
It is important to support pancreatic health by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive sugar consumption. In addition, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor pancreatic function and catch any issues early on.
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Childhood diabetes resembles adult diabetes, with both Type 1 and Type 2 being prevalent.
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Prediabetes is elevated blood sugar levels that could progress to diabetes in overweight teenagers.
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Type 1 diabetes, common in children, is a result of reduced insulin production by the pancreas.
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Type 2 diabetes, associated with insulin resistance, is increasingly common in overweight children.
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Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, and the potential for diabetic ketoacidosis.
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Type 2 diabetes may present mild or no symptoms, often detected through routine medical tests.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe immediate complication of diabetes, while long-term effects impact mental health and blood vessels.
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DKA is common in many children with Type 1 diabetes at diagnosis, and occasionally in cases of Type 2 diabetes.
DKA is prevalent in children with Type 1 diabetes, occurring in around 1 to 10% each year, typically when insulin is not administered. It can also develop in children facing challenges like difficult social circumstances or mental health issues affecting diabetes management. Issues with insulin delivery, such as pump malfunctions, can lead to DKA. Illness may necessitate increased insulin intake.
Without insulin, cells cannot use glucose, turning to fat burning and producing ketones. Ketones make the blood acidic, leading to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, untreated DKA can result in coma and death, with dehydration being a common side effect.
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– Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) test
– Oral glucose tolerance test
– Determining diabetes type (Type 1, Type 2)
The diagnostic process involves identifying typical symptoms, abnormal glucose levels, and HbA1C levels. These indicators offer insight into blood glucose levels over time. Oral glucose tolerance tests are conducted for milder symptoms, while antibody tests help differentiate between stages of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
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– For Type 1 diabetes: Insulin injections
– For Type 2 diabetes: Metformin and potentially insulin or other medications
The goal of treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels near normal levels safely, although achieving this goal raises the risk of hypoglycemia, which can be hazardous.
While advancements in diabetes technology have enhanced care quality and blood glucose control, not all individuals have benefited equally. Factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, living environment, access to healthy food, and healthcare services play a role in managing blood glucose in diabetic children.
Children with diabetes should carry medical identification, such as a bracelet or tag, to alert emergency responders. This information aids in starting treatment promptly, especially in cases of accidents or altered mental status.
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Children with diabetes must make healthy dietary choices, manage weight, and focus on overall nutrition. Dietary guidelines aim to maintain a healthy weight, support optimal growth, and prevent short-term and long-term complications.
Consistent meals and snacks with similar carbohydrate content are crucial for glucose management. Parents and children with Type 1 diabetes learn to estimate carbohydrate levels and create meal plans. Lifestyle adjustments for Type 2 diabetes emphasize weight control, nutritious food choices, portion management, and increased fiber intake.
Regular physical activity is vital for glucose control and weight management, with some children with Type 1 diabetes needing extra carbohydrates with intense exercise. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential, with different monitoring frequencies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes based on various factors.
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Maintaining blood glucose levels is essential for children with diabetes. Self-monitoring through fingerstick glucose tests is common, with continuous glucose monitoring becoming increasingly popular. CGM systems provide real-time or intermittent blood glucose level measurements.
Parents can adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose records. Regular medical check-ups help assess growth, development, blood glucose control, and screening for complications. CGM devices can enhance glucose control and potentially reduce long-term complications.
Closed-loop insulin pumps offer automated insulin delivery based on CGM results, aiding in insulin dosing control and preventing abnormal blood glucose levels. Fully automated closed-loop systems are still being evaluated and not widely available yet.