When your doctor tells you that your child has Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), you probably have a thousand questions running through your mind. It's normal to think things like, "Why did this happen to my child?", "Is this a lifelong condition?", "How do I manage this?" Don't worry. You're not alone. Let's talk about everything in simple terms, to put your mind at ease.
Simply put, what is type 1 diabetes (T1D)?
In the past, this condition was called 'juvenile diabetes'. Simply put, T1D is a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure. If your child has T1D, their pancreas is unable to produce the essential hormone insulin.
Think of insulin as a key that opens the doors to our body's cells. This key, called insulin, is essential for the sugar (glucose) we get from the food we eat to move from the blood into the cells and be used as energy. So, when insulin is missing, this sugar cannot enter the cells and instead accumulates in the blood. This uncontrolled increase in blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to our major organs, such as our heart, kidneys, and eyes, over time.
This is different from Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A person with T2D produces insulin, but the body cannot use it properly. In T1D, insulin is almost completely absent.
Why did this happen to my child?
It's natural for this question to come to your mind. Experts believe that T1D is an 'autoimmune disorder'. This means that the immune system, which protects our bodies from disease, mistakenly attacks and destroys our own insulin-producing cells. This process can occur inside the body long before the child shows any symptoms.
It is still unclear exactly what causes the immune system to misbehave in this way.
- Genetic influence: Genes may play a role. For example, if a parent or sibling has T1D, a child is slightly more likely to develop it. But surprisingly, 85% of children with T1D have no family history of the disease.
- Environmental factors: This allows us to think that something in the environment, perhaps something like a virus, may be the cause of this autoimmune process.
The most important thing is to remember that this is no one's fault. It didn't happen because of anything you did or said. And there is no way to prevent this from happening. So avoid blaming yourself completely.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
T1D symptoms can appear suddenly. Sometimes these symptoms develop gradually. See if your child shows any of these symptoms. Let's look at this chart to help you remember these symptoms.
| Symptom | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Feeling unusually thirsty | High blood sugar causes the body to lose more water, so you feel like drinking water all the time. |
| Frequent urination | The kidneys try to remove excess sugar from the blood through urine, so you need to urinate frequently. |
| Bedwetting | If a child who has never had a habit of wetting the bed before suddenly starts wetting the bed at night, it could be a sign. |
| Feeling very tired | The child constantly feels tired and sleepy because the cells do not get the sugar they need to produce energy. |
| Weight loss despite eating well | Because sugar cannot be used for energy, the body starts burning muscle and fat, which results in weight loss. |
| Changes in behavior and mood | If the child gets angry easily, is restless, or seems sad, that could also be a sign. |
| Fruity smell on the breath | When the body burns fat, chemicals called ketones are produced. When these build up in the blood, your breath can smell sweet and fruity. This is a sign of a dangerous condition. |
But not every child will show all of these symptoms. Sometimes, if a child is in the early stages of T1D, they may not show any signs at all.
What happens after diagnosis? Daily management
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you and your child will be referred to a specialist medical team. This team may include a diabetes specialist, a diabetes educator, and a nutritionist. They will tell you everything you need to know about this journey. There are a few key things you need to do on a daily basis.
1. Measuring blood sugar levels
You will need to check your child's blood sugar levels several times a day. This is done using a small device called a glucometer. The test is done by pricking the tip of the finger with a small needle and taking a drop of blood. At first, this may seem difficult for both the child and you, but after a while, it will become a normal part of your life.
2. Giving insulin
Since the body does not produce insulin, it must be given externally. Insulin cannot be taken as a pill, because it is broken down in the stomach. Therefore, it must be given as an injection . This injection must be given several times a day, usually before meals. The doctor and nursing staff will tell you exactly how to do this. Now there are modern technologies such as insulin pumps.
3. Diet and exercise
Diet and exercise are two very important parts of diabetes management. You can work out a good plan by talking to your doctor or nutritionist about what foods are good for you, how much you should eat, and what to watch out for when exercising.
When should you seek emergency medical advice?
When living with diabetes, it is essential to be aware of emergencies.
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): Sometimes blood sugar levels can become dangerously low. If your child has symptoms such as excessive sweating, shaking, confusion, and paleness, give them something sugary (glucose tablets, a spoonful of sugar, or a sweet drink) right away. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
- Hyperglycemia/DKA: If blood sugar levels become too high , a dangerous condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) can develop. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, excessive sleepiness, and a fruity odor to the breath occur , take the child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Take-Home Message
- Although type 1 diabetes is a challenge, with good management, your child can live a happy, healthy, and normal life. You are not alone.
- This is no one's fault, so avoid blaming yourself.
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor and medical team exactly. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, no matter how small.
- It is essential to regularly monitor the child's blood sugar levels, administer insulin on time, and provide a balanced diet.
- Explain this situation to your child in a way that he or she can understand. If your child is a little older, involve them in the management. This will also help the child's self-confidence.
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