Type 1 diabetes in children is considered one of the chronic diseases that affect the endocrine system at an early age, and is characterized by an autoimmune dysfunction that leads to the destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
This hormone is essential for maintaining the balance of the glucose level in the blood, and when it is absent, the sugar rises causing multiple health symptoms and the importance of the disease lies in it needing precise follow-up and long-term treatment.
Making it a source of worry for families and children alike, understanding the potential reasons behind the infection, and noticing the early symptoms, helps in rapid diagnosis and limiting future complications.
The role of genetic factors in children's diabetes infection
There may be genetic reasons:
- One of the parents or siblings having Type 1 diabetes may increase the probability of the child's infection.
- The presence of specific genes is associated with higher rates of the disease in some cases.
- Despite that, genetics alone is not considered a sufficient cause for the appearance of the disease, but rather other factors interfere with it.
Immune system dysfunction in children
The dysfunction in the immune system may cause the following:
- In this case, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
- This mistaken reaction leads to a gradual destruction of beta cells and loss of their function.
- Resulting from that is the body's inability to control the glucose level in the blood.
How does the immune dysfunction affect the child's health?
When the child loses the ability to produce insulin normally, the sugar level in the blood becomes continuously high, and this elevation leads to the child feeling extreme tiredness and constant thirst.
And it affects his growth and general health, and the continuation of the dysfunction without therapeutic intervention may cause serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Viral infections and their relationship with diabetes
The effect of viral infections on diabetes patients:
- Some studies linked infection with specific viruses like Coxsackie virus or Rotavirus with an increased risk of the disease.
- Viral infection can lead to the abnormal activation of the immune system, so it attacks the pancreas.
- However, not all viral infections are a direct cause for diabetes infection.
The effect of environmental factors on children's diabetes
The environment may have an effect on children's diabetes:
- Lack of exposure to sunlight and what follows it from low levels of Vitamin D may negatively affect immunity.
- Environmental pollution may play a role in stimulating abnormal immune responses.
- Excessive reliance on processed foods and sugars may contribute to the early appearance of the disease.
The role of breastfeeding in preventing diabetes
Attention must be paid to the difference made by breastfeeding and industrial milk:
- Breastfeeding enhances the child's immunity and reduces the risks of autoimmune diseases.
- Early reliance on industrial milk may increase the probability of a weak immune system.
- Some research indicates that extending the period of breastfeeding may reduce the risk of diabetes infection.
Attention must be paid when the following symptoms appear on the child
Attention must be paid in case one of the following symptoms appears:
- Frequent and severe thirst.
- Frequent urination especially during the night.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Feeling of persistent fatigue and lethargy.
- Appearance of a distinct breath smell resembling acetone in advanced cases.
Why should there be early attention to symptoms?
Neglecting the initial symptoms may lead to a rapid deterioration of the condition, as the child can enter into serious complications like diabetic coma.
Early discovery enables doctors to start treatment in a timely manner, which helps in avoiding complications and improving the quality of life in the long term.
Methods of primary treatment for diabetes
The treatment plan includes the following:
- Insulin: It is considered the main treatment and is given daily to maintain the sugar level within normal ranges.
- Balanced diet: It relies on reducing sugars and organizing meal times.
- Regular physical activity: It helps in improving the body's response to insulin.
- Health education for the family: It contributes to the correct dealing with cases of high or low sugar.
- Periodic medical follow-up: It is necessary for monitoring the development of the condition and preventing complications.
Article Summary
Type 1 diabetes in children is a chronic disease that arises from a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and immune factors. It does not appear due to a single factor, but rather requires the meeting of several reasons that lead in the end to the destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Recognizing the early symptoms like severe thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss contributes to rapid diagnosis. The treatment relies mainly on compensating for the missing insulin.
Alongside following a healthy diet, practicing physical activity, and adhering to regular medical follow-up. The family's awareness of the nature of the disease and methods of dealing with it represents a fundamental step to reduce complications and improve the child's quality of life in the long term.