Diabetes comes with various challenges, especially for young people. But, with early detection, children and teens can learn to manage diabetes and stay as healthy as possible. Early signs in children can include increased thirst and urination.
Juvenile diabetes: pancreas can't produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar. Lifelong insulin, monitoring, diet, and exercise essential.
Type 2 diabetes, rare in young kids, results from insulin issues, leading to glucose buildup. Age raises risk, but childhood obesity surge correlates with increasing rates.
Diabetes symptoms, similar in all ages, show faster onset in type 1 for children and gradual progression in type 2, taking months or years for diagnosis.
Untreated type 1 diabetes risks DKA. Type 2 diabetes in youth accelerates with higher complications, emphasizing early detection and obesity management.
Child with diabetes symptoms should get tested: family history, obesity, Black/Asian origin, insulin resistance. Early detection improves outcomes.
Prevent type 2 diabetes in children: Maintain moderate weight, stay active to reduce insulin resistance, and limit sugary foods for a balanced, healthy lifestyle.