Your child or adolescent may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes if overweight.
An individual with type 2 diabetes has poor insulin use. Because of this, they are unable to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Too much blood sugar accumulates over time in the body.
This may result in significant issues like:
- Heart conditions
- Blindness
- Kidney illness
Type 2 diabetes was commonly considered “adult-onset diabetes” back in the day. However, type 2 diabetes is growing increasingly prevalent in kids and teenagers, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
After diagnosis, a person usually needs to adjust their lifestyle or take medicine. Changing behaviors can be challenging!
Due to this, the best course of action is prevention, starting in childhood and adolescence.
What exactly is type 2 diabetes in children?
Diabetes is nothing but a condition in which the body produces or uses lesser insulin improperly. Diabetes type 2 is a metabolic condition. It is a hormone, insulin. It makes it easier for the body’s cells to absorb blood sugar (glucose) for use as fuel. Glucose builds up in the blood when it cannot enter the cells. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is what this is. Problems with high blood sugar can arise wherever in the body. Blood vessels and nerves may be harmed. It may be harmful to the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
What are some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children?
Chronic type 2 diabetes impairs the body’s capacity to control blood sugar levels. Despite being frequently linked to adults, it can also affect kids. Children with type 2 diabetes may experience various symptoms or none. When symptoms do materialize, they may include, though:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections: Type 2 diabetic children may be more prone to urinary or bladder infections.
- Skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly: High blood sugar levels may be indicated by the slow healing of cuts, ulcers, or infections on the skin.
- More frequent urination: Type 2 diabetic children may urinate more frequently. Polyuria is the term for this symptom.
- Weight loss despite increased hunger: Even when a child has an increased appetite, unexplained weight loss might still happen. This may happen because the body is not utilizing food-derived glucose well.
- Unusual thirst: Type 2 diabetic children may have excessive thirst and consume huge amounts of fluids.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels may temporarily alter the shape of the eye’s lens, impairing eyesight.
- Weakness and exhaustion: Children may have these symptoms even after getting enough rest.
- Anger and mood swings: Variations in blood sugar levels have been linked to irritation, mood swings, and difficulties concentrating.
- Nausea and vomiting: Type 2 diabetes in children that is untreated or inadequately managed can cause episodes of nausea and vomiting.
- High blood and urine glucose levels: When examined, elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and urine glucose levels (glycosuria) may be found.
- Hands or feet experiencing numbness or tingling: Peripheral neuropathy, a condition with nerve damage, can result in tingling or numbness.
Remembering these symptoms can be related to other medical issues is crucial. It is crucial to speak with your kid’s healthcare practitioner for a correct diagnosis and management if you suspect that your child has type 2 diabetes or if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms.
What are the various ways in which diabetes can be diagnosed in children?
Several tests evaluate blood glucose levels and determine if they fall within the normal range to diagnose type 2 diabetes in children. The frequently used diagnostic tests are listed below:
- Glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) testing gauges average blood sugar levels in the past 2-3 months. It gives a sign of long-term glucose regulation. To diagnose diabetes, a result of 6.5% or more is usually required.
- The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test evaluates blood glucose levels following an overnight fast (eight or more hours without food). In general, diabetes is indicated by a reading of 126 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or above on two distinct occasions.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test entails drinking a sugary glucose solution, then checking your blood sugar levels periodically (often every two hours). Two hours after consuming the glucose drink, a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or greater indicates diabetes.
Additional tests may occasionally be carried out to confirm the diagnosis or determine any complications:
- Random plasma glucose test: In this test, blood glucose levels are measured randomly throughout the day, regardless of when the child last ate. In addition to the basic symptoms of diabetes, a figure of 200 mg/dL or higher may suggest diabetes.
- Urine tests: It is possible to collect urine samples to test for the presence of glucose or ketones, which might be high in uncontrolled diabetes. However, only using urine tests to identify diabetes is insufficient.
It’s vital to remember that the diagnostic standards and testing procedures could change slightly depending on the recommendations made by the healthcare practitioner or the particular circumstances surrounding the child. The child’s medical background, diabetic symptoms, and risk factors will also be considered throughout the diagnostic process.
How can you prevent type 2 diabetes in children?
Routines from childhood can persist far into adulthood. Starting with healthy exercise habits early in life is considerably simpler than making significant adjustments later.
Here are some suggestions for preventing type 2 diabetes in your kid:
- Promote physical activity—physical activity improves how growing bodies use insulin, lowering the risk of developing insulin resistance. Children and teenagers who are physically active are more likely to shed some pounds and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Develop the habit of eating healthily, including serving water, fruits, and vegetables instead of sweet snacks and beverages. Try to eat most meals together as a family at the table. Eat more slowly and limit your portion sizes. Over time, even small habits build up!
- Limit your child’s exposure to TV and other screens—kids who spend all day playing video games or watching TV don’t get enough exercise. Set a time limit for using screens. Your kids and teenagers may definitely fight you, but they might end up appreciating you.
Conclusion
It is recommended to get medical advice from a professional who can perform the necessary tests and provide an accurate diagnosis if a kid is thought to have type 2 diabetes or is more susceptible due to a family history of the disease or other risk factors. According to WKTR.com, GlucoRedi is a medication that helps to control blood sugar naturally. The company makes the supplement using 100% natural ingredients, which have the approval of many renowned nutritionists. Early detection and managing the symptoms are key to preventing problems and advancing the child’s general health.
