According to the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology, Diabetes is a disease characterized by an increase in the level of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia), which may occur due to defects in the secretion or action of the hormone insulin, which is produced in the pancreas by so-called cells. beta.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) is the most common among children and adolescents, one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The number of cases of diabetes has been increasing among children, this fact is related to insulin resistance caused by unbalanced diet and the increase in the number of cases of childhood obesity.
type 1 diabetes
It is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and is usually diagnosed between 7 and 15 years of age. The disease is characterized by the mistaken attack of the immune system on beta cells. Therefore, little or no insulin is released into the body resulting in the accumulation of glucose in the blood, rather than being transformed into energy.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 is the most common: approximately 90% of people with diabetes have type 2, which is more common in adults and the elderly, but can also be diagnosed in children and adolescents. This type appears when the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces, or does not produce enough insulin to control the blood glucose level.
How to identify the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
- excessive thirst;
- Urinating very often and in large amounts;
- Constant hunger;
- Weight loss (no apparent cause);
- Tiredness, malaise and drowsiness;
- Blurry vision;
- Cramps and tingling.
How to treat?
Diabetes has no cure. Therefore, treatment involves only controlling the disease, with insulin injections, regular physical exercise and a diet with a balanced amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In addition, the sugar level must be monitored several times a day and the treatment must be closely monitored by a specialist doctor.
How is the life of children diagnosed with the problem?
Currently, children with the disease have a life practically the same as the others. A balanced diet and control of the child's blood glucose level ensure a normal life, including exercise, school performance and play. A child's well-being also depends on their emotional and social state, in addition to medical care.
How to prevent?
Some children already have a predisposition to the development of diabetes, due to hereditary issues and obesity. However, some measures must be taken by all parents or guardians of children and adolescents to avoid it. Check out:
- Avoid artificial foods, rich in sugars, fried foods and carbohydrates;
- Prioritize vegetables, fish, low-fat meats, fruits and low-salt foods;
- Consult a nutritionist or nutritionist to indicate a balanced diet suitable for the specific case of each child or adolescent;
- Practice physical exercises regularly.
