Could my child have diabetes?
-"We thought he had the flu."
-"She was thirsty, and she kept running to the bathroom. The school nurse suspected a bladder infection."
-"He felt tired and was losing weight. We blamed it on exams."
Diabetes is a great pretender, and its first symptoms are often mistaken for those of more common childhood problems. It may be the last illness that parents suspect when they bring their child to see a doctor. Yet at least 100,000 American children already have diabetes, and another 13,000 will probably develop the illness this year.
What causes diabetes?
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed
Living well with diabetes
The parents of a child who is diagnosed with diabetes have a big adjustment ahead: they must understand the condition and help their child control it and cope with it. But with care, encouragement and some good practical knowledge about diabetes, parents can become their child's most important allies in learning to live with the condition.
What causes diabetes?
When children develop diabetes, it’s usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin. From the beginning of their illness, they must depend on insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels. This type of diabetes is known as type 1 diabetes, and is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is different than type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes usually shows up in adults, although it is on the rise among children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes often can be treated with diet and oral medications.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's failure to produce insulin, a hormone that unlocks the cells of the body and allows glucose to enter and fuel them. Since glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death causing complications that include kidney failure and blindness.
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed
Some experts believe that of the nearly 16 million people living with diabetes, almost a third are unaware they have the disease. "It's important to see a doctor when symptoms emerge," says
Augustine Chikezie, MD, Virtua/duPont pediatric endocrinologist. "Complications from diabetes are severe and can be avoided with proper management."
Parents should look for symptoms in their children such as frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss. But, children in different age groups may have slightly different symptoms. Kids younger than age 5 may experience vomiting, dehydration and stomach pain. Teenagers may experience weakness, weight loss and fatigue. If a child displays one or more of these symptoms, see your pediatrician or family physician for an evaluation.
Living well with diabetes
"Children living with diabetes need a strong support base, as these children grow up with the task of monitoring and controlling their body's glucose levels,” says Lois Gerst, RN, BSN, CDE, coordinator of Virtua’s outpatient diabetes services. They begin by following a balanced diet to control their carbohydrate (sugars and starches in food that release glucose into the blood) intake. They must also engage in regular exercise to help control their blood glucose levels and to reduce their risk of long-term complications (such as heart and blood vessel disease).
Often the most difficult task, they must check their blood glucose levels several times each day by testing a small blood sample with a glucose meter. Based on these blood glucose levels, they give themselves insulin injections according to a plan that's been worked out with their doctor.
Living with diabetes is a challenge no matter what a child's age. Virtua’s accredited diabetes services and programs offer families extensive support and education. “Children with diabetes can get the care they need close to home with a seamless transition through adulthood,” states Gerst. “The program includes diabetes education and counseling, support groups for parents, children and teens, as well as access to a pediatric endocrinologist.”
"We believe it's important for these children to have as normal a childhood as possible," explains Dr. Chikezie. "So, each component of the program has been developed with this in mind."