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Can Children Have Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a common disease in today’s time. It is not only observed in adults but children as well. 

Previously, it was thought that children could only have Type 1 diabetes but, it is now observed that they can develop Type 2 diabetes and few other types of diabetes as well.

As per the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020, almost 210,000 children and teenagers have diabetes. In fact, Type 2 diabetes in children is rising by 4.8% every year. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

High blood sugar and diabetes are two terms that are used interchangeably. This is because the digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. After which, the pancreas secretes a hormone known as insulin which helps in the movement of glucose from your blood into the cells for energy.

Type 2 diabetes does not allow the cells to respond well to insulin, leading to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. This makes the sugar levels extremely high for the body to handle. The phenomenon is known as insulin resistance.

Children with Type 2 diabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes complications affecting the eyes, kidneys and heart. In certain cases, it can lead to blindness as well. 

What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Children?

Type 2 diabetes symptoms in children generally show very slowly and gradually. Hence, it becomes difficult to detect early on. In fact, some children have no symptoms at all.

 However, diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes can be made based on the following symptoms:

Children having Type 2 diabetes might go to the restroom more frequently as compared to before the condition developed. Usually, the body excretes the excess sugar from the blood in the form of urine with water.

Children with type 2 diabetes might be more frequently thirsty. This is because increased urination often leads to dehydration.

Before the onset of type 2 diabetes, certain areas of skin begin to darken due to insulin resistance. This includes areas around the neck, back and armpits.

High blood sugar can pull the fluid from the lenses of the eyes, making it harder for the child to focus. Children developing Type 2 diabetes might also complain about their eyes paining frequently.

Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue as the body can’t convert blood sugar levels effectively. Type 2 diabetes in children makes them easily exhausted after a minor physical activity.

Type 2 diabetes diagnosis can be made by observing sudden weight loss too. The body does not receive the proper energy that sugar supplies which leads to the shrinking of muscle tissues and fat stores.

Insulin resistance can lead to slower healing of injuries and soreness in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes Causes

No one knows the exact cause of type 2 diabetes. However, family genetics and sedentary lifestyle play an important role. Obesity and inactivity in kids can also lead to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Being overweight is a type 2 diabetes risk factor for kids. Children with fatty tissue around the abdomen have a high chance of developing this disease.

Children who have a family history of diabetes can be at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Children with sedentary lifestyles are also at risk. Physical activity generally helps a child control their weight while using glucose as energy and making their cells more responsive towards insulin.

Babies that are born prematurely before 39 to 42 weeks gestation have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Complications

The long-term complications develop gradually over a period. Some of the type 2 diabetes complications include: 

However, keeping the child’s blood sugar levels close to normal can reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes complications.

What can you do to Manage Type 2 Diabetes in Children?

A healthy and well-balanced life can help in managing type 2 diabetes in kids. Eating leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains is a good idea. Also, indulging children in fun physical activities and exercises can keep them healthy.

Conclusion

If a child already has type 2 diabetes, then healthy lifestyle changes can help in reducing the complications. Apart from that, it is always advisable to monitor your child’s health and visit the doctor immediately if you see any symptoms.

Also Read: Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding Causes, Signs, and Solutions

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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8 Symptoms Of Diabetes In Children To Watch Out For!

Juvenile diabetes or Type 1 diabetes, like other diseases, has been on the rise. It is a type of autoimmune disease. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. Diabetes in children cannot be cured and is a lifelong predicament.

The best bet is to prevent the child from suffering from this by providing healthy food options and inculcating good lifestyle habits like regular exercise and proper sleep. Encourage your children to eat a diet low in fat, sugar, processed foods and to eat nutrient-rich food like fruits and vegetables, lean meats and protein-rich foods. Drinking an ample amount of water is also beneficial in the prevention of diabetes. There are many warning signs that trigger the possibility of diabetes in children. They are listed below.

Symptoms Of Diabetes In Children

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

The child experiences several bouts of extensive thirst as the blood sugar pulls are water from the cells. This also leads to frequent urination. Some children even start bedwetting.

2. Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin

Patients start suffering from itchy skin and dry mouths. This is because of a lack of fluids in the body that manifests as these symptoms.

If a child has diabetes and it isn’t diagnosed for a long time or they also become unwell with an infection, they may be at risk of diabetic coma which may make them lose consciousness because of brain swelling.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

3. Extreme Hunger

Children suffering from diabetes experience extreme hunger, even after eating full meals. This is because the body is unable to utilize the energy released from the food consumed.

The most common signs of diabetes in toddlers and children include an increase in thirst and more frequent or increased urination. Most of the times in my practise i have seen that most children parents notice ants around the child’s urine in bathroom.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

4. Unexplained Weight Loss

Even though the child eats his meals, he/she may suffer from unexplained weight loss. This is again because the body is unable to put to use the energy released from food.

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5. Fatigue

Lethargic behavior, feelings of laziness and drowsiness are all warning signs of diabetes in children. The body is left without its requisite energy fuel as it cannot utilize the blood sugar to provide energy.

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6. Behaviour Changes

Children suffering from diabetes exhibit behavioural changes. They may become irritable, anxious and aggressive. Some of them feel the blues and might even suffer from depression.

7. Vision Problems

The eyes are one of the first organs to suffer from diabetes. Children often develop vision problems and if left untreated might even become blind.

Read More: The Relationship Between Eyes & Diabetes

8. Fruity Breath

One of the most obvious signs of diabetes in children is the development of sweet-smelling, fruity breath. This is because of the build-up of toxic acids in the bloodstream and the urine. These toxic acids, known as ketones, cause a fruity smell.

If left untreated, diabetes can shut down the system, organ by organ. It can cause cataract, glaucoma and sometimes complete vision loss. The cuts and bruises take a long time to heal in diabetics and are at risk of developing gangrene. The feet are at a risk, especially since they receive the least blood flow in the body.

If diabetes runs in your family or if you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, get a blood sugar test done immediately for comprehensive and timely action.

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but most children are diagnosed within two age ranges – when they are between 4-7 years old and 10-14 years old.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Read More: 11 Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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