1. Introduction: Understanding Diabetes in Children and Teens
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects children and teenagers worldwide. It requires lifelong management to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent complications. While diabetes in adults is often associated with lifestyle factors, diabetes in children and teens may have different causes, symptoms, and management challenges.
🔹 Why is diabetes in children and teens important to study?
✔ The number of children diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is rising globally.
✔ Early intervention can prevent severe complications later in life.
✔ Managing diabetes during growth and puberty requires special considerations.
Types of Diabetes in Children and Teens
Children and teens can develop both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, although Type 1 diabetes is more common in younger children.
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin, often linked to obesity and lifestyle factors.
- Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): A rare, genetic form of diabetes that usually appears during adolescence.
📌 Fact: Type 1 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases in children and teens. However, Type 2 diabetes is increasing due to rising childhood obesity rates.
2. Causes of Diabetes in Children and Teens
2.1 Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
✔ Autoimmune reaction – The immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
✔ Genetics – A child with a family history of Type 1 diabetes has a higher risk.
✔ Environmental triggers – Viral infections (such as enteroviruses) may trigger the immune system to attack the pancreas.
📌 Type 1 diabetes is NOT caused by diet or lifestyle.
2.2 Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
✔ Insulin resistance – The body stops responding effectively to insulin.
✔ Obesity and poor diet – Excess weight and high sugar intake contribute to insulin resistance.
✔ Lack of physical activity – A sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity.
✔ Family history – Children with parents or siblings who have Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk.
✔ Ethnicity – Higher rates of Type 2 diabetes are seen in African, Hispanic, Native American, and South Asian populations.
📌 Fact: Overweight children are 4 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
3. Symptoms of Diabetes in Children and Teens
3.1 Common Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
✔ Frequent urination (polyuria) – The body tries to eliminate excess sugar through urine.
✔ Extreme thirst (polydipsia) – Dehydration due to frequent urination.
✔ Unexplained weight loss – The body burns fat and muscle instead of glucose for energy.
✔ Fatigue and irritability – Lack of energy due to glucose not entering cells.
✔ Blurred vision – High blood sugar affects the eye’s ability to focus.
3.2 Additional Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
✔ Dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans) – A sign of insulin resistance.
✔ Slow-healing wounds – High blood sugar affects circulation.
✔ Frequent infections – High blood sugar weakens the immune system.
📌 Fact: Children with Type 2 diabetes often show no symptoms at first, making regular screenings important.
4. Diagnosing Diabetes in Children and Teens
4.1 Common Tests for Diabetes Diagnosis
✔ Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
✔ A1C Test: Shows average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months.
✔ Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose solution.
📌 Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes:
- Fasting blood sugar ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)
- A1C ≥ 6.5%
- OGTT ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
4.2 Screening for Type 2 Diabetes in At-Risk Children
✔ Children overweight or obese
✔ Children with a family history of Type 2 diabetes
✔ Children from high-risk ethnic groups
5. Managing Diabetes in Children and Teens
5.1 Managing Type 1 Diabetes
✔ Insulin therapy – Daily injections or insulin pumps.
✔ Blood sugar monitoring – Multiple times per day.
✔ Carbohydrate counting – Adjusting insulin doses based on food intake.
✔ Regular exercise – Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
📌 Fact: Children with Type 1 diabetes need insulin for life, as their bodies do not produce any.
5.2 Managing Type 2 Diabetes
✔ Healthy diet – Avoid processed sugars and refined carbs.
✔ Physical activity – At least 60 minutes of exercise daily.
✔ Weight management – Helps improve insulin sensitivity.
✔ Oral medications – Metformin is commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes.
📌 Fact: Type 2 diabetes in children can often be managed through lifestyle changes alone.
6. Challenges of Diabetes in Children and Teens
6.1 Emotional and Social Challenges
✔ Dealing with peer pressure – Children may feel different from their peers.
✔ Mental health concerns – Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
✔ Fear of needles – Many children struggle with insulin injections.
6.2 Puberty and Hormonal Changes
✔ Insulin resistance increases during puberty, making blood sugar harder to control.
6.3 School and Diabetes Management
✔ Children may need to check blood sugar at school.
✔ Teachers and school staff should be informed about diabetes care.
7. End of Lecture Quiz
Question 1:
Which type of diabetes is most common in children?
A) Type 1 Diabetes
B) Type 2 Diabetes
C) MODY
D) Gestational Diabetes
Answer: A) Type 1 Diabetes
(Rationale: Type 1 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of cases in children and teens.)
Question 2:
What is a symptom specific to Type 2 diabetes in children?
A) Extreme thirst
B) Frequent urination
C) Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
D) Unexplained weight loss
Answer: C) Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
(Rationale: Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of insulin resistance, common in Type 2 diabetes.)
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a recommended diabetes management strategy for children?
A) Insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetes
B) Avoiding all carbohydrates
C) Regular physical activity
D) Blood sugar monitoring
Answer: B) Avoiding all carbohydrates
(Rationale: Carbohydrates should be balanced, not completely eliminated, for proper nutrition.)
8. Online Resources for Further Learning
📘 American Diabetes Association – Diabetes in Children
🔗 https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/childhood
📘 International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD)
🔗 https://www.ispad.org
📘 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Managing Diabetes in Children
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/children.html
9. Summary & Key Takeaways
✅ Type 1 diabetes is more common in children, while Type 2 is increasing due to obesity.
✅ Symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.
✅ Managing diabetes in children involves insulin, diet, exercise, and emotional support.
✅ Regular medical check-ups help prevent complications.
✅ Diabetes management in schools requires education and awareness.
By supporting children and teens with diabetes, we empower them to live healthy, fulfilling lives! 🌟
