Does your child have diabetes? How to tell and what to do

Posted on 3 November 2022

Diabetes is a life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease, and children are also at risk. A physician explains what parents need to know. 

Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as adult onset diabetes – and as the name suggests it’s usually considered a disease that occurs in adults over age 45. However, it can affect people of any age – even children. What’s more, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children appears to be on the rise. Dr Marius Wasserfall, a physician in internal medicine at Mediclinic Panorama, explains more. 

 

Type 1 vs type 2 diabetes: What’s the difference? 

It’s important to understand the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes because the latter is preventable.  

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system attacks your pancreas and your body is unable to produce insulin.  

Type 2 diabetes is a disease of insulin resistance, often caused by obesity and other comorbid conditions. In normal circumstances the pancreas secretes insulin into your body when you eat and then slows down once your blood sugar drops. In type 2 diabetes, the process doesn’t work properly and sugar builds up in your bloodstream. 

Prediabetes: Dr Wasserfall says it takes about four to seven years of having an abnormal glucose metabolism before your blood sugar level is high enough to be picked up and diagnosed. “This phase is known as impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes,” he adds.    

 

Diabetes in children 

The latest data suggests ±12.7% of South Africans are living with diabetes mellitus and more than 50% of them don’t know it. The vast majority of these cases are type 2 diabetes. However, in children with diabetes, type 1 is more common (along with a rarer type that has a genetic component). “Usually, children would present with type 1 diabetes, or autoimmune-mediated diabetes,” says Dr Wasserfall. That is, until now. “Due to the pandemic of obesity, we’re seeing increasing numbers of adolescents being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes – most often when they’ve been overweight for a number of years already.”  

 

Signs your child could have diabetes 

Type 1 

• Increased thirst 
• Increased passing of urine 
• Unexplained weight loss.  

“The diagnosis is often sudden in onset and diagnosed during an underlying trigger like an acute infection, when a child can present with a diabetic coma, so-called diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA),” says Dr Wasserfall.  

 

Type 2 

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, often has no symptoms until it’s advanced enough for complications to develop. If a child is high risk, it’s better to be proactive. “Anyone with longstanding obesity should have their blood glucose levels checked every one to two years. If you have other autoimmune conditions you should also have your blood glucose checked regularly.”  

 

Managing diabetes in children 

“Diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis and managing diabetes mellitus is a life-long challenge,” explains Dr Wasserfall. He recommends: 

Healthy lifestyle – This is the foundation of treatment. Encourage your child to eat a healthy, balanced diet, achieve a normal body weight, and exercise regularly.  

Insulin – Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin, as the primary problem is an absolute insulin deficiency.   

Psychological support – Children living with diabetes need a lot of support, motivation, encouragement and understanding, because they’ll feel different, which may trigger insecurity.  

School support – Control at school is a big challenge as children often fear the “humiliating experience” of having a low sugar episode at school. It’s important to inform the school so they can offer the necessary support and assistance and be prepared in case of an emergency. 

Community – As a parent, it’s wise to join a support group in your area or online. The various insulin companies usually have information on this. 
 

Preventing type 2 diabetes in children 

“Childhood type 2 diabetes is often due to insulin resistance, which is in large part due to childhood obesity,” says Dr Wasserfall. As with adults, the best preventative measures are:  

Healthy diet – your healthcare provider can suggest a diabetes-friendly eating plan for your child.  

Exercise – children need to be active, and not only spend their days sedentary in front of screens.  Encourage them to do sport and limit their screen time.   

Weight management – maintaining a normal body weight is crucial. Limit processed foods, takeaways and high-sugar beverages and teach children to drink water.  

 

To find a doctor who can help with diabetes-related concerns, go to www.mediclinic.co.za.