What is the risk of diabetes in children?

 What is the risk of diabetes in children?

The problem of diabetes in children is increasing, there are various reasons for this. To solve this problem, it is very important to understand its cause. Mainly, there are two types of diabetes, type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Both these types of diabetes occur in children for various reasons.

genetic cause

If the child has a family history of diabetes, the child is more likely to develop diabetes. Type-1 diabetes is often caused by genetic factors, which include the destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. If any member of the family has type-1 diabetes, the child is more likely to develop this disease.

Unhealthy lifestyle

Today's children consume more junk food and sugary foods. These substances increase the level of sugar in the body, which hinders the action of insulin. Lack of physical activity and staying indoors also increases the risk of diabetes.

obesity

Obesity is the leading cause of diabetes in children. When a child is overweight, the body's sensitivity to insulin decreases and blood sugar levels become difficult to control. Obesity reduces the body's resistance to insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Family and social reasons

Unhealthy diet, high sugar and highly processed food habits in the family also increase the risk of diabetes in children.

Infections and immune system problems

Sometimes certain infections or immune system disorders play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Infections such as influenza and rotavirus can interfere with the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, which causes diabetes.

Physical and mental stress

Excessive physical and mental stress can also increase the level of blood sugar in the body. When a child is mentally stressed, the body starts producing extra glucose, which increases the risk of diabetes.

New hormonal imbalances

Some may have an imbalance in the production of insulin due to physical and biological reasons. Therefore, the body is unable to control blood sugar. Such an imbalance can create the problem of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes in children

The prevalence and incidence rate of diabetes in children is increasing in recent years. The main reason is the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, which is increasing due to global obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. Here is a detailed overview of the prevalence and incidence rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children.

Type-1 diabetes

Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It usually occurs in children.

disaster

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes varies from region to region around the world, but it is generally increasing. About 1,500 children in the United States develop type 1 diabetes each year. In Europe, this epidemic is increasing by three percent per year. Although the prevalence of type 1 diabetes is low in Asian countries, the rate and relative increase is increasing rapidly, such as in Japan and India.

incidence rate

The incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in most western countries is between 15 and 20 cases per 100,000 children per year.

Incidence rates are gradually increasing in countries with rapidly growing health care, such as India and China, although in those countries it is still lower than in Western countries.

Type-2 diabetes

Type-2 diabetes, which used to be seen only in adults, is now more common in children, the main reason for which is obesity and unhealthy lifestyle.

disaster

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States has been increasing over the past few decades. Approximately one in five children and adolescents are at risk of this disease due to obesity and overweight.

In 2018, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among 10- to 19-year-olds in the United States was about 0.2 percent. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high in Mexico and coastal countries, due to which obesity rates are much higher there.

incidence rate

In the United States, the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes is 5,000 new cases annually. Globally, the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes is 5-10 in every 100,000 children. However, this rate varies from country to country and is higher in high-income countries.

Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in children

Obesity problem: Excess weight gain is a major factor that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. Studies have shown that obese children are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Unhealthy lifestyle: Excessive consumption of junk food and lack of physical activity can cause diabetes in children.

Genetic cause: If there is a history of diabetes in the family, the child is more likely to develop this problem.

Causes of diabetes in children

Hereditary

Family history: If there is a history of diabetes in the family, the child is more likely to develop this problem. Genetic factors play a major role in type 1 diabetes in particular.

Genetic influence: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This disease is often caused by genes and genetic factors are involved in its development.

Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle

Obesity: Many children become victims of type 2 diabetes due to excess weight and lack of physical activity. Excess weight gain, especially abdominal fat, can cause insulin resistance, which increases the risk of diabetes.

 Unhealthy diet: Consuming too much sugar and processed foods also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes . Consuming junk food, fast food and excessively sweet substances can interfere with the action of insulin in the body.

Lack of physical activity: Today's children are not being physically active because they are glued to TV and mobile phones for a long time. Which increases the risk of diabetes.

Pollution: Especially air pollution can adversely affect the health of children and it can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes.

Mental and emotional reasons

Mental stress is also increasing in children due to studies, stress with friends and family problems. Mental stress can have a negative impact on physical health, which can affect the action of insulin.

Hormonal changes

Due to hormonal changes during childhood, there can be an imbalance in the action of insulin in the body, which increases the chances of type 2 diabetes. Especially during adolescence, as hormonal changes are intense, it increases the risk of insulin resistance in the body.

What should parents do to save children from diabetes?

Diabetes can be a serious problem in children, which can have long-term health effects. To avoid this, parents should pay attention to the health of their children.

Ensuring a healthy diet

A child's diet should include proper amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. It is important to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods low in sugar.

Junk food and high sugar foods increase the risk of insulin resistance in children. Therefore, such foods should be avoided as much as possible.

Encourage physical activity

Regular exercise: It is necessary to engage the child in physical activity. At least 30 minutes of physical activity should be done daily. Activities like running, cycling help control the child's weight and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Children should be encouraged to participate in outdoor sports.

Psychological and emotional support

Stress and anxiety can also cause diabetes. Therefore, it is important to take care of the child's mental health. Healthy communication and a good family environment bring peace of mind to children.

If the child has any kind of stress or fear, the support and encouragement of the parents will increase the confidence of the child.

Weight control

Obesity is the leading cause of diabetes in children. Therefore, it is very important to encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep the child's weight under control.

If the child is overweight, a specialist should be consulted for its management.

Promotion of healthy lifestyles

Healthy sleep: Children need to get enough and quality sleep. At least 8 to 10 hours of sleep is important for a child's overall health and helps keep insulin levels balanced.

Water intake: Drinking a good amount of water helps to keep the sugar level in the body balanced. It is important to ensure that the child drinks enough water.

Vigilance and regular health checkups

Regular health check-up: If there is a family history of diabetes, it is important to check the blood sugar level of the child regularly. It helps to identify the symptoms of diabetes in time.

Be vigilant: Parents need to be vigilant about their child's health. It is important to consult a doctor immediately if the child shows signs of fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision.

Education and flow of information

It is important to educate children about the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, children should be given such information so that they are able to make health decisions for themselves.

It is important for the parents to give the child the necessary information about diabetes and make them follow the preventive measures.

How often should diabetes be tested?

The duration of the diabetes test depends on various factors. For example, the child's health status, family history and current lifestyle. In general, a time period can be fixed for diabetes testing in the following situations.

Based on family history

If a child has a family history of diabetes, especially type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that children be tested for diabetes every three to five years.

It is important to regularly screen children with a family history of diabetes, especially around age 10.

Based on growth and physical changes

If the child shows signs of obesity, unhealthy diet, low physical activity and weight gain, the need for testing is greater. In such a case, it is advisable to conduct the test at an interval of 6 months to a year.

Hormonal changes and lack of physical activity during adolescence can increase the risk of diabetes. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention to diabetes screening in adolescent children.

Depending on the symptoms

If a child shows signs of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and eye problems, then immediate examination should be done.

Based on physical health

If other health problems such as high blood pressure, irregular cholesterol levels and heart problems are observed, the time period for testing for diabetes can also be reduced.

General time frame for diagnosis of diabetes

Generally, after the age of five, diabetes testing can be started in children. After the age of 10 years, children should be screened for diabetes every year.