Diabetes in children

There are both similarities and differences in the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children.

• Autoimmune reaction - the immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin¹.
• Genetics - family history plays a role. A child with a close relative who has type 1 diabetes has a higher chance of developing it¹.
• Environmental triggers - viral infections and other unknown factors may trigger the immune response, although the exact cause is not fully understood¹.

It’s important to note that type 1 diabetes in children cannot be prevented. However, factors such as diet, lifestyle, or consuming too much sugar should be carefully managed to help prevent long-term complications^1,4.

• Insulin resistance - the body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar².
• Lifestyle factors - being overweight, having an unhealthy diet, and low levels of physical activity all increase risk².
• Family history - type 2 diabetes often runs in families².
• Ethnicity - children of African, South Asian, or Hispanic heritage may have a higher risk².

Healthy habits can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in children. Balanced nutrition - including carbohydrate counting to help prevent childhood obesity, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight all make a difference².

Understanding what diabetes symptoms to look out for in your child is vital, so you can get them the medical support they need quickly and when required.

• Increased thirst and needing to urinate more often
• Unexplained weight loss, even with normal eating
• Extreme tiredness and lack of energy
• Vision problems
• More frequent infections or slower healing of cuts and grazes
• Fruity smelling breath
• Irritability or changes in mood - parents and caregivers should be alert to signs and symptoms of type 1 that might otherwise be mistaken for normal childhood behaviour^5,6.

In type 1 diabetes, these symptoms may appear over just a few days or weeks and worsen quickly, making urgent medical care essential^5,6.

The symptoms of young people with type 2 diabetes are broadly the same as for type 1, but they often develop more slowly and can be less noticeable. This means they may build up over weeks or months rather than appearing suddenly⁵.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed in the above section present in your child, please contact your doctor to arrange an appointment. At the appointment your doctor can carry out an assessment, including a review of your family’s medical history and blood glucose test, to confirm whether or not your child has type 2 diabetes⁵.

If your child is diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes it may at first feel overwhelming for them and your family, especially considering the potential for various health problems. However, with the right support and management, including attention to environmental factors and mental health, children living with diabetes can still lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives, which is crucial to avoid additional life threatening risks like heart disease and kidney disease^1,2.

• Blood sugar monitoring - using finger-prick tests or continuous glucose monitors helps children and families track glucose levels throughout the day^1,5.
• Insulin treatment - for type 1 diabetes, insulin injections or pumps are part of daily life^1,3.
• Medications – in some cases of type 2 diabetes in older children, doctors may prescribe GLP-1 medicines or SGLT2 inhibitors to help the body manage blood sugar more effectively².
• Balanced diet and activity - meals and snacks need to be planned to keep blood sugar steady, and regular exercise helps improve energy and mood^1,2.

Children with diabetes may sometimes feel different from their peers, especially when needing to check blood sugar or take a blood glucose test to manage low blood sugar and insulin multiple times during school or social activities. Parents, teachers, and healthcare teams can help by:

• Encouraging open conversations about diabetes
• Offering reassurance that diabetes does not define who they are
• Supporting participation in school, sports, and social life
• Providing, if required, access to counselling or other support groups to help children manage the psychological aspect of living with diabetes

With consistent care, a diabetes diagnosis does not need to hold your child back from living a full and active life. Many kids with type 1 diabetes thrive in education, sports, and friendships just like their peers¹.