Juvenile diabetes is common among American children. More than 205,000 children and teenagers live with diabetes, while cases are still on the rise.
It could be a bit challenging, but children with diabetes can still lead full, fun lives, but they have special needs. It is important for parents to know what they need to do to take care of their children who have diabetes.
In a Hackensack Meridian Health news release, Dr. Santhosh Eapen, a pediatric endocrinologist at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune, New Jersey, explained how to take care of a child with diabetes.
Dr. Eapen said, “Most children younger than age 10 with diabetes have type 1 [diabetes]. The condition occurs when the body stops making the hormone insulin.”
“With type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but doesn’t use it properly,” he added.
The number of American children and teens with type 2 diabetes increased by 30% from 2001 to 2009, with cases increasing among younger children aged 10 and above.
The characteristic symptoms of type 1 diabetes include “weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, and frequent urination.” Although people with type 2 diabetes are asymptomatic, they may experience the aforementioned symptoms.
It is important to note that children with diabetes need care from different health specialists. A doctor, diabetes educator, dietitian, and psychologist can help manage juvenile diabetes.
Dr. Eapen said, “Children with diabetes will need regular follow-up with their health care team. A typical interval for visits would be every three months.”
He explained that physical activity is important for kids with diabetes because it helps insulin work better and keeps blood sugar under control. He advised, “Children with diabetes should be active for an hour every day.”
In the United States, federal law protects children with diabetes in public and private schools, helping them to take part in school and get the necessary health care to stay healthy.
Dr. Eapen went on to say, “Living with diabetes can be challenging. But with extra support from loved ones, children with diabetes can still enjoy all the things that make childhood memorable.” The article originally appeared on Medicine Net.
