IDAI Highlights Low Early Detection Of Type 1 Diabetes In Children

Health workers examined pediatric patients at the Taman Health Center, Sidoarjo, East Java, Monday (10/2/2025). (ANTARA PHOTO/Umarul Faruq)

JAKARTA - Type 1 diabetes cases in children show an alarming trend, with many patients who have not received a timely diagnosis.

Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, revealed that most cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children are often recognized late or even wrongly diagnosed.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, so blood sugar levels increase beyond the normal threshold.

Unlike type 2 diabetes which is often triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle, type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating habits or lack of physical activity. Therefore, the management approach is different.

"Many new children are known to have type 1 diabetes when they are in critical condition, such as experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis and having to be treated intensively," said dr. Piprim in a seminar on handling type 1 diabetes in children in Jakarta, Tuesday.

He added that it is important to hold early screening and strengthen basic health services so that the diagnosis can be enforced more quickly. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

Children who live with type 1 diabetes need regular insulin injections for life to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, access to insulin and adequate health facilities is very crucial, especially in remote areas.

As part of the solution, IDAI has initiated training and assistance for medical personnel at health centers and first-level health facilities to strengthen early detection and management of type 1 diabetes in children.