Childhood Diabetes—A Growing Concern

Childhood diabetes is rearing its ugly head—the number of children and teenagers with diabetes is increasing everyday in India. This may just be a reflection of the impact of modern lifestyle patterns and their interaction with predisposing genetic factors.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is the most common type of diabetes in children. Around 3 new cases of T1DM are diagnosed for every 1 lakh children between 0-14yrs of age. 

What Really Happens

An affected child doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain optimal blood sugar levels like a normal child does. The insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed in a T1DM patient. This initially results in reduction of insulin levels, eventually leading to complete absence. 

Insulin is needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When insulin production reduces, it results in increased blood sugars. High blood sugar causes increased frequency of micturition, thirst and weight loss.

The blood sugar levels of affected children need to be checked by simple finger-prick tests before each meal. Based on this test, the child has to be injected with an appropriate dose of insulin. 

Children with T1DM require multiple insulin injections to mimic the normal body secretion of insulin throughout the day—this is the most notable difference between T1DM and adult onset diabetes.

Some Good News

By managing their condition properly, diabetic children can continue to grow and lead normal, healthy lives with long-term health benefits. Standing as testament to this fact are several adults in various fields of life who were diagnosed with childhood T1DM and are now productive and successful members of society.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently announced that children with T1DM will be allowed to eat mid-exam snacks during their class 10 and 12 board exams. This is an excellent recommendation that highlights the need for regular meals and snacks for children with T1DM.

Children with T1DM are no different from other children, except for needing insulin injections, meals and snacks at regular intervals.

With the support of school staff, parents, healthcare providers and diabetes educators, it’s possible to provide a safe environment that can allow diabetic children to achieve their full potential.