Recognize Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms In Children From An Early Age

JAKARTA - Type 1 diabetes in children is often not detected from the start because the symptoms can resemble other general conditions. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize early signs so that treatment can be done faster and more precise.

This disease occurs because the children's pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or even not producing at all. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to help glucose enter cells and convert it into energy. Without this hormone, sugar levels will accumulate in the blood and trigger various serious complications.

"Children can experience diabetes mellitus, especially type 1, where there is insulin deficiency," explained Dr. dr. Nur Rochmah, Sp.A, Subsp. Endo(K), from the Endocrinology Coordination Unit of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association in a seminar discussing the handling of type 1 diabetes in children, as quoted by ANTARA.

Type 1 diabetes mostly attacks the age of children, adolescents, and young adults. According to dr. Nur, damage to insulin-producing cells makes sufferers have to depend on life-long insulin injections.

Initial signs that should be watched out for include increased appetite and thirst, but accompanied by unnatural weight loss. If not handled, children can experience serious conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, decreased consciousness, and shortness of breath.

"Parents need to be vigilant if children are seen eating and drinking often but their weight drops. If the examination shows blood sugar levels of more than 200 mg/dL, it has led to diabetes," he added.

Data shows that the number of type 1 diabetes cases in children in Indonesia continues to increase. In 2000 there were 3.88 cases per 100,000 children, and this figure jumped to 28.19 per 100,000 in 2010.

Dr. Nur revealed that throughout 2022 to April 2025, the number of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes was recorded at 1,948 people. The majority of cases were found in girls (58 percent), the rest were in boys (42 percent).

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, medical personnel, the community, and their families in preventing and handling type 1 diabetes. This effort includes health education, regular blood sugar tests, and promotion of healthy lifestyles from an early age.