2023-10-18 13:00:28
More and more children and young people have diabetes. This metabolic disease occurs in two main forms.
Type 2 diabetes is the form that is usually associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity.
More and more children suffer from it. However, Type 1 diabetes, in which genetic predisposition is involved, remains by far the most common form in children.
But how do you know if your child may be affected? Professor Andreas Neu, pediatric diabetologist and vice-president of the German Diabetes Society, lists some warning signs.
ALARM SIGNS
Mucha sed
If children drink a lot during the day and sometimes even at night, it may be a first sign of diabetes. This is because high blood sugar causes thirst.
I really want to urinate
Children who drink a lot have to go to the bathroom frequently. This can occur not only during the day, but also at night. “It can even happen that children suddenly wet the bed again at night, even if they haven’t wet the bed for a long time,” says Neu.
Less kilos
When children lose weight, it is always an alarm signal, says the specialist. Typically, children don’t lose weight, they gain it. So, in combination with the other signs, it is a clear sign that something is not right.
great fatigue
If children are noticeably tired, listless, or suddenly performing less well in school, it may be a sign of diabetes. Families should act quickly if a combination of these signs occurs.
IMPORTANCE OF DIAGNOSIS
Acting quickly, Neu says, is not that difficult. First of all, the diagnosis must be made. A pediatrician or family doctor can easily determine if diabetes is present by taking a urine sample or a small drop of blood. It only takes five minutes and so families have certainty. Together with specialists, parents are informed and prepared and children are adapted.
When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, many parents wonder if they have done something wrong. But type 1 diabetes, more common among children, is not related to dietary errors, the specialist clarifies. “No one is to blame for your diabetes.”
Type 1 cannot be prevented, it states. Neither with a healthier diet nor with sports. After the diagnosis, however, yes you have to pay attention to a balanced diet and exercise It should be part of everyday life.
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