Getting To Know Type 1 Diabetes In Children: Symptoms, Causes, And How To Handle It

Photo illustration. (Doc. Freepic)

JAKARTA - Type 1 diabetes is one of the chronic diseases that can attack children. This condition occurs when the body no longer produces insulin, an important hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Without insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood and causes various serious health problems. Although it cannot be cured, type 1 diabetes in children can be managed properly so that they can continue to grow healthy and active.

Symptoms

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page on Saturday, April 26, symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children often appear suddenly and can be seen clearly, including:

- Excessive thirst

- Often urinating, even locking

- Continued hunger

- Weight decreases without a clear cause

- Children look weak and tired quickly

- Mood swings, irritability or fussiness

- Smelly breath

These symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they appear at the same time. Immediately consult a doctor for further examination.

Cause

Until now, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet fully known. However, most cases occur because the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This is called autoimmune response. The factors suspected to play a role in this process include:

- Genetics: Children with a family history of type 1 diabetes are more at risk.

- Environment: Exposure to certain viruses can trigger autoimmune reactions.

- Racist and ethnicity: In some countries, cases are more common in non-Hispanic white children.

If not handled properly, type 1 diabetes can cause various serious complications, such as:

- Heart disease and blood vessels as adults

- Nervous damage that causes tingling, numbness, or pain

- Kidney damage due to disorders in small blood vessels

- Visibility disorders to the risk of blindness

- Reduced bone density that increases the risk of osteoporosis in adults

Children with type 1 diabetes are also more susceptible to other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders or celiac disease.

Handling

Unlike type 2 diabetes, children with type 1 diabetes need insulin for life. Handling is done thoroughly with a focus on:

- Insurance can be given through daily injections, insulin pens, or insulin pumps.

- Monitoring of blood sugar at least four times a day, and using automatic monitoring equipment or CGM.

- A healthy diet by regulating carbohydrate intake and maintaining balanced nutrition.

- Physical activity is regular to keep blood sugar stable.

- Collaboration with a medical team consisting of doctors, nutritionists, and diabetic educators.