November marks National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, including its prevention and management. Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as juvenile diabetes, is a significant health concern affecting children and adolescents. This chronic condition has no known cure and arises when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin, a hormone crucial for converting food into energy.
The body’s inability to produce insulin is due to an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production. This results in elevated blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia. When glucose cannot enter cells, the body resorts to breaking down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones. While ketones serve as an alternative energy source, excessive levels can be harmful.
Parents should be vigilant for symptoms of type 1 diabetes in their children. These may include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, and unintended weight loss. Additional signs can involve headaches, irritability, and blurry vision, particularly when blood sugar levels reach dangerously high levels. If left untreated, symptoms may escalate to a diabetic emergency, characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes typically involves observing classic symptoms alongside high blood sugar levels. A test measuring average blood sugar over the past three months, known as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), can also confirm the disease. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be conducted in some cases, where blood sugar levels are evaluated before and after consuming a sugary drink.
In treating type 1 diabetes, normalizing blood sugar levels is paramount. This requires frequent monitoring, either through a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM provides real-time glucose readings by using a small sensor placed under the skin. Treatment often necessitates administering insulin through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, which delivers insulin through a small tube under the skin.
A balanced diet plays a critical role in managing type 1 diabetes, as insulin doses need to correspond to carbohydrate intake. Regular physical activity is also essential, with adjustments made to insulin levels during exercise to prevent hypoglycemia. Automated insulin delivery systems, sometimes referred to as an “artificial pancreas,” can further assist in regulating blood sugar levels by communicating between the insulin pump and CGM.
If parents notice any concerning symptoms in their children, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician promptly. While it may be tempting to use a friend’s or relative’s glucose meter, professional medical advice is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Recent advancements in diabetes screening allow for risk assessment before symptoms manifest. Individuals with a family history of type 1 diabetes may qualify for screening through research studies. Although complete prevention remains unattainable, some newer medications can delay the onset of the disease for high-risk individuals, offering hope for better management.
Both Chineze Ebo, MD, FAAP, a Pediatric Endocrinology fellow at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Brittany S. Bruggeman, MD, FAAP, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Florida, emphasize the importance of education and vigilance in managing type 1 diabetes. By understanding the condition and recognizing early signs, parents can ensure their children receive the necessary care and support.
