Does your child have type 2 diabetes? (Type 2 Diabetes) - Don't worry, let's talk about this!

In the past, it was a surprise when a child was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Even doctors thought that only young children developed type 1 diabetes. But now the situation is completely different. With poor diet and lack of exercise, type 2 diabetes is now becoming more common even among young children. If your doctor tells you that your child has this condition, don't panic. Today we are talking about how to be aware of it and manage it properly.

What exactly is Type 2 Diabetes?

When we think of diabetes, the word 'sugar' comes to mind. Okay, let's see how this works inside the body. Simply put, the food we eat, especially foods containing carbohydrates (like rice and bread), is converted into a simple sugar called glucose in our digestive system. This glucose is like the fuel that provides energy to our body's cells.

But this glucose cannot go directly from the blood into the cells. It needs a vehicle. That vehicle is the hormone called insulin, which is produced by our pancreas. Insulin is what takes the glucose and puts it into the cells.

Here's what happens in type 2 diabetes: The cells in the child's body don't respond properly to insulin. It's like a car knocking on the door, but the cells won't open the door from the inside. We call this condition 'insulin resistance' . What happens then? All the glucose that can't get into those cells builds up in the blood, and the blood sugar level goes up a lot.

Who is most likely to develop this condition?

Studies have found that obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes in children. In addition, there are several other risk factors.

What are the symptoms of this?

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. However, over time, your child may show one or more of the following symptoms. Be very careful about these.

• Weight loss for no reason: Weight loss despite eating well.
• Constant hunger and thirst: You get hungry quickly, and you feel thirsty even after eating or drinking.
• Dry mouth: Feeling like your mouth is always dry.
• Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often than normal.
• Constant fatigue: You get tired quickly, even after doing a little work, and feel sleepy.
• Blurred vision: Vision in both eyes becomes slightly blurred.
• Delayed wound healing: Even a small wound takes a long time to heal.
• Itchy skin: Itchy skin, especially in areas like the groin and armpits.
• Numbness: A tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

If your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately .

How is it treated?

The first step is to take your child to a doctor. The doctor will determine if your child is obese based on their height, weight, and age. Then they will do a blood sugar test. This will help determine if they have diabetes or prediabetes.

• Lifestyle changes: This is the most important and first treatment. A healthy diet and daily exercise are essential.
• Medication: If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control your blood sugar levels, your doctor may prescribe medication. The most common medication given to children is metformin . In some cases, insulin injections may also be necessary.
• Regular check-ups: Your child's blood sugar levels should be checked regularly. You should also get a hemoglobin A1c test done every 3 months. This will give you an idea of ​​your child's average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

How to check your child's sugar level at home?

The doctor will teach both you and your child how to check their blood sugar using a glucometer, which uses a drop of blood from your finger. If your child takes insulin, they will be asked to check their blood sugar three or more times a day. Other children may be asked to check less often, especially after meals.

What you can do as a parent

Your role in this journey is very important.

• Get the whole family together: Don't make this a punishment for just the child. Start eating healthy foods and exercising together as a family. Then the child won't feel lonely.
• Plan your meals: Have 3 main meals and 2 snacks at regular times a day. Be mindful of the size of your plate. Try to keep the amount of carbohydrates, such as rice and bread, at the same time each day.
• School lunch box: Prepare your child's lunch box yourself. Replace foods high in flour, sugar, and oil with foods made from vegetables, fruits, nuts, and rice.
• Prepare for an emergency: Prepare a small box with the things you need to give your child in case their blood sugar drops (hypoglycemia) (glucose tablets, a sugar packet, a biscuit) and give one to the child and one to the school teacher or nurse.
• Encourage exercise: Play for at least an hour a day, give your child opportunities to run and jump. Reduce phone/TV time to no more than 2 hours a day.

Involve your child in this work too.

It is very important to understand that this is their illness and teach them how to manage it. Let's look at some of the things that children can do, depending on their age.

Special attention to young children

As you get older, hormonal changes can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Also, peer pressure and concerns about your appearance can make your child depressed. If you notice changes in your child's behavior, depression , or anxiety , don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.

Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Childhood Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Sugar, Insulin, Children's Health, Weight Management