Diagnosis of diabetes - what parents should know
Diabetes mellitus is the umbrella term for a chronic metabolic disease with several subtypes. Due to the increased blood sugar level, the disease used to be known colloquially as diabetes. Before taking a closer look at diabetes, it makes sense to take a closer look at the sugar metabolism as such.
Our body needs energy to function. We obtain this energy from food. Sugar, which we consume in the form of carbohydrates, is particularly important for our energy metabolism. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugar components in the gastrointestinal tract and released into the blood. This causes the blood sugar level to rise.
In order for our body to transport sugar into the cells, it needs the hormone insulin. This is produced by the so-called beta cells in the pancreas and released into the blood when the blood sugar level rises - normally.
If this process no longer takes place, it is referred to as diabetes mellitus. In medical terms, there are two main types. Both types affect blood sugar levels, but differ in important ways.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin for the rest of their lives
Only around 10 per cent of all diabetes patients are affected by type 1 diabetes. This often manifests itself in childhood or adolescence. This is why the disease used to be called juvenile diabetes.
The body's own immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and destroys them, leading to an insulin deficiency. It is unclear why this happens, but it is assumed that genetic and other factors play a role.
People with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes are more likely to be underweight.
Due to the lack of insulin, the body can no longer absorb the sugar in the cells and is therefore no longer supplied with energy. Contrary to what is often assumed, people with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes are therefore more likely to be underweight. The body tries to eliminate the sugar via the kidneys, which can lead to an increased urge to urinate and a strong feeling of thirst. Type 1 diabetics are therefore dependent on lifelong insulin substitution.
- Sensitise your child to dealing with children affected by diabetes by explaining the disease to them in understandable language. A symbol that always works well is a stove that burns sugar and thus provides energy. In type 1 diabetes, the stove has no wood; in type 2 diabetes, it has wood that doesn't burn.
- You don't have to be a diabetes professional. It's enough to know that there are two types, each with different needs.
- If you are unsure, approach the parents in advance and find out whether you need to pay attention to anything in particular at the child's birthday party, for example.
- A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help to keep blood sugar levels in balance and prevent type 2 diabetes. Bear in mind that having diabetes (including type 2) does not mean that these recommendations should be ignored.
- Children with diabetes usually learn to deal with it very early on and are happy to provide information. Be interested and encourage your child to ask questions. This will promote the self-confidence and communication skills of both children.
Type 2 usually develops with age
Even in type 2 diabetes, the sugar does not enter the cell. In contrast to type 1, however, the pancreas still produces insulin. However, the body's cells no longer react properly to it. This process is known as insulin resistance and leads to increased blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus usually develops with age. Risk factors for this can be obesity, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet or a genetic predisposition. The first step in treating type 2 diabetes is to try to improve the insulin response by changing the diet and lifestyle. If these adjustments are unsuccessful, treatment with oral medication or insulin injections is considered.
Temporary diabetes during pregnancy
Expectant mothers can be affected by a third form of diabetes: gestational diabetes. The cause of gestational diabetes is also unknown, but it is assumed that hormonal changes during pregnancy play a role. The symptoms, which include tiredness, frequent urination, thirst and an increased susceptibility to infections, may be mild or non-existent.
As this type of diabetes can lead to complications during pregnancy and birth if left untreated, it is important to carry out regular blood glucose checks at the beginning of pregnancy. Treatment is similar to that for type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the child, but can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus later on. To minimise this risk, a balanced diet and sufficient exercise are recommended.
