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Watch out for these early diabetes signs in your child and learn to manage it!

Diabetes was always associated with an old man’s disease. In fact, it was called adult-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was seen in children or teens and Type 2 diabetes was almost non-existent. Things have changed now. It is estimated that around 1, 00,000 children in India have diabetes. Lifestyle changes, poor eating habits, obesity, and lack of physical activities are majorly attributed to the alarming increase of diabetes among children. If a parent keeps a watch out for the signs and symptoms. If diabetics can be diagnosed early, children can be treated more effectively.

The two major types of diabetics are:

1.       Type 1 Diabetes (Auto-Immune Disease)

In a healthy body, when the blood sugar level increases, the pancreas makes more insulin. This insulin helps in absorbing sugar from the bloodstream so that it can be used for energy when required. Type 1 diabetes is developed when the immune system destroys the cell in the pancreas that make insulin. When there is a lack of insulin, the blood sugar level continues to rise.

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be cured. The good news is that it can be managed by following a healthy lifestyle and having a well-balanced food habit.

If you have a family history of type 1 diabetes, it may increase your child's risk for diabetes. Keep a watch for symptoms and do blood tests regularly.

2.       Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the amount of sugar (glucose) in the body is too high and it can’t be utilized properly. This happens because the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin to break down the glucose, or the insulin that is produced isn’t efficient enough to do its job.

What are the diabetes symptoms?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. It can include:

·         Polyuria – Increased Urination

·         Polydypsia - Unusual Thirst

·         Polyphagia - Extreme Hunger

·         Weight Loss

·         Loss Of Appetite In Younger Children

·         Blurred Vision

·         Decreased Resistance To Infection

·         Nausea And Vomiting

·         Fatigue

·         Irritability And Behaviour Changes

·         Serious Diaper Rash That Does Get Better With Treatment

·         Fruity Breath And Fast Breathing

·         Yeast Infection In Girls

What are the causes?

·         Heredity and genetics

·         If the mother has gestational diabetes at the time of pregnancy

·         Obese and overweight kids

·         Lack of physical activity

·         Poor eating habits (processed food)

·         Insulin resistance

How can diabetes be managed?

·         Eat a balanced and healthy diet

·         Have regular meals

·         Eat at fixed times every day

·         Eat slowly, it takes our mind 20 minutes to get the signal of feeling full

·         Have at least 1 meal as a family together (no TV, laptop or mobile)

·         Make healthy meals a part of the family habit. This will help the kid not to feel deprived and makes us healthy too.

·         Drink more water and avoid sugary drinks.

·         Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits (5 portions in a day)

·         Bring whole grains to your diet.

·         Avoid simple carbs (white bread, white pasta, white flour, etc.)

·         Consume low-fat dairy

·         Include protein in every meal

·         Avoid processed food

·         Do not insist your child finish whatever is on the plate. Let them stop when they feel satiated.

·         Serve small portions.

·         Keep healthy snacks in the kitchen. Offer fruits, plain popcorn, lotus seeds (makhana), nuts, puffed rice chaat, sprouts, roasted gram chaat, scrambled egg, cottage cheese cubes, apple with peanut butter, cucumber with hummus, etc. as snacks in controlled portions

Including physical activities

·         Start slowly

·         Schedule at least 1 hour of activity every day.

·         Enrol them in a dance or sports class

·         If available, enroll in fitness classes together

·         Plan outings together like going to a zoo or amusement park

·         Make physical activity more fun- turn up the music and dance, go to the park, and play with them.

·         Limit screen time

·         Choose activities like swimming, dancing, gymnastics, football, etc. as per their interest.