Childhood diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children: 90-95 per cent of under 16’s with diabetes have this type. It is a condition in which the body's immune system 'attacks' one of the body's own tissues or organs. It is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

Statistics:

The last 30 years has seen a threefold increase in the number of cases of childhood diabetes. In Europe and America, Type 2 diabetes has been seen for the first time in young people. This is probably in part caused by the increasing trend towards obesity in our society. But obesity doesn't explain the increase in the numbers of Type 1 diabetes in children - who make up the majority of new cases.

Symptoms:

The main symptoms are the same as in adults. But this is the symptoms that are more typical for children:

- Tummy pains

- Headaches

- Behavior problems

Doctors should consider the possibility of diabetes in any child who has an otherwise unexplained history of illness or tummy pains for a few weeks. If diabetes is diagnosed, your child should be referred to specialist in childhood diabetes. When they are, doctors can help immediately with treatment and help you to maintain and control the diabetes.

What is the honeymoon phase?

The honeymoon phase refers to the period of time shortly after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during which there is some restoration of insulin production by the pancreas. This is only a temporary situation and not an indication that diabetes is either improving, in remission, or cured.

When insulin is injected, the pancreas may get a small "break" from having to produce insulin. This rest period may then stimulate the remaining beta cells to being to produce insulin. These remaining beta cells, however, will also eventually be destroyed and this temporary "honeymoon" period will revert back to a state of absolute insulin deficiency (no insulin production by the pancreas).

During the honeymoon phase blood glucose levels may improve to normal, or near-normal, levels. However, it is important that you do not stop taking insulin all together even during the honeymoon phase.

How long does the honeymoon phase last?

This varies from person to person but honeymooning occurs during the first year of diagnosis and can last for weeks, months, and on rare occasion, for a year or longer. It is not consistent to predict when, and for how long it will last. And some may never experience noticeable honeymooning.

Can I do anything to prolong the honeymoon period?

The older you are and the slower your onset of beta cells destruction the more likely you are to experience the honeymoon phase, and the longer it will last. Therefore, young children are the least likely to honeymoon significantly, and those with latent onset autoimmune diabetes of adulthood ([LADA], older teens, and young adults more likely to honeymoon than are preteens and young children.

Do Not Stop Taking Insulin

• Insulin may help protect remaining beta cells by giving the pancreas a little "rest"
• Stopping insulin and starting again may trigger an allergic reaction
• It can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis

Don't try to make these adjustments on your own. Consult with your doctor.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

It's important to note that everyone is insulin-dependent. People without diabetes make insulin in their pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body starves to death.

Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes mellitus is now more commonly called Type 1 diabetes. It is a syndrome with disordered metabolism and inappropriately high blood glucose levels due to a deficiency of insulin secretion in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes

Just a few years ago, it was rare to hear about a child with type 2diabetes. It used to be thought that if diabetes occurred in childhood, it was type 1, or juvenile-onset, diabetes. Not anymore. Now, according to the CDC, over 186,000 people under the age of 20 have diabetes -- both type 1 and type 2, formerly called adult-onset diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes the cells in a child's body are resistant to the effects of insulin and glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Eventually, this causes glucose to reach dangerous levels in the body.

Over time, the body becomes increasingly less able to handle all the glucose in the blood vessels. The high blood sugar can then lead to diabetes complications, such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Children

The following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children:

- Being overweight

- Family history of diabetes

- Female gender

Is Type1 Diabetes hereditary?

It does seem that there is an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes if a parent, especially the father has the disease and an even greater chance if a sibling has it. they should remember that even though there may be an increased risk of the disease in those with close family who have the disease there is absolutely no guarantee that they or their offspring will ever develop diabetes.

Helping Your Child Overcome the Pressures of Diabetes

Raising a child is not easy, and diabetes adds mental and physical challenges for you and your child. But don't let diabetes control the happiness of your family. With family support, daily care, and treatment, you can help your child lead a healthy, active, and fun-filled life. Be supportive. Don't try to take over if a few high blood sugar levels occur. Instead, try to solve the problem together and ask how you can help.

In addition, a relationship with an adult outside the family, such as a teacher, coach etc. may provide valuable extra support. Your doctor can recommend additional help from a psychologist or counselor.