It's Time for Educators to Get Educated on Managing Children with Diabetes

Before many believed that diabetes only occurred among middle-aged adults and the elderly. However, it's known now that that is not the truth. Contrary to popular belief, diabetes does not only happen when people are overweight or older as it can also affect anyone at any age, even children. A report by the National Diabetes Statistics (2015) clearly indicates that there is a prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents in the US, and an estimated 132,000 out of 23.1 million diagnosed diabetics (0.18%) are children and adolescents younger than 18 years old.

The condition of children with diabetes is similar to the adults, but it is less understood. For instance, one may think diabetic children are mostly obese, and that those who eat a lot or have little to no physical activities are also diabetic. The described situation is common for type 2 diabetics, however, several studies have shown that diabetic children are mostly Type 1 diabetics, which indicates a problem that is inside the body (dysfunctional pancreas) rather than from outside sources (e.g. food). In fact, this is the very reason why type 1 diabetes is also termed as "juvenile diabetes."

Same with everybody else, the cause of diabetes among children is unknown. Studies have traced certain cases to genetic and environmental factors (e.g. diet or exercise), but the actual culprit is still in hiding.

Managing Children with Diabetes

Children are generally considered the happiest people on earth. They like playing around, running, hiding, and eating colorful foods, but imagine their distress when they don’t get to do want they want or eat their favorites. It can be very disheartening, and the sad truth is that no matter how much people pity them, there’s no reversing their situation, but everyone can definitely help make their lives a little better.

While normal kids are out chasing butterflies, diabetic children may have it harder in life. Some experience symptoms like frequent urination, extreme hunger, or having bad breaths while others undergo fatigue, have blurred vision, become irritable, or have poor performance at school. It's also possible for some of these kids to experience life-threatening situations, but this may not be frequent. Whatever it may be, they shouldn’t be ignorant of what their condition actually is, as they have to be accepting of it and know how to handle themselves when symptoms manifest. They also should have a certain amount of guidance from everyone around.

With the consolidated efforts of concerned individuals from the government, pediatric healthcare providers, families, and the school, the lives of these children will be made so much more livable and simpler. Community support, which is an essential part of this endeavor, will also help greatly in preventing its complications. One way or the other, these people help diabetic kids in maintaining blood sugar control, in realizing the importance of eating healthy and regular exercise, and in providing unconditional support and help in case of attacks or depression.