The current steep increase in the incidence of diabetes worldwide is alarming. But what is worse is that many children are now developing diabetes as well. While it is bad enough that adults have to face this disease, it is absolutely distressing to see our children suffering from the same. So how does this disorder manifest in the young ones?

This disorder is called ‘juvenile diabetes’ or ‘insulin dependant’ diabetes. Here, the body develops an autoimmune disorder and cannot generate the insulin necessary to maintain energy levels in the body. This Type 1 diabetes also mostly manifests in children under the age of 16. The dangerous disorder can blow out of all proportion if not cared for and treated well in time. If neglected, this can harm the vital organs of the child’s body.

Luckily, this disorder is still not too common in children, but the number is steadily rising each and every year. It is estimated that juvenile diabetes has increase triple fold in the last thirty years – is that not really alarming?!

What causes this disorder?

The root cause is not known yet, but some research studies reveal that this might arise as a combination of genetic, environmental and sometimes, even ethnic factors. Very often, it has also been seen that juvenile diabetics do not have a family history of the disease. So that cannot be estimated as the root cause either.

Treatment

Insulin treatment is followed to treat this disorder. Fast-acting insulin is administered in the day, followed by slow-acting insulin overnight. Insulin pumps are also used today, which supply the hormone externally, all day long.

How can parents help?

If your child is found to be diabetic, educate yourself about this disease, monitor the child regularly and learn to adjust his everyday dosage of insulin. Make him carry glucose always, keep him constantly active and also inform his school about his disorder, so they can support you as well.

Diabetes in children can be controlled with a strict vigil over their all-round health and activity. Be watchful and take good care of your child if he suffers from this disorder.