How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Childrens
There’s no denying that the rising proportion of children being affected with Type 2 diabetes is becoming a matter of grave concern. Type 2 diabetes can affect children's all aspects of physical, emotional, and social well-being. At The Mehra Clinic, the best diabetes and endocrine center near Virginia, we strive to raise awareness about the effects of Type 2 diabetes in children and emphasize the importance of early detection and management.
What is Type 2 Diabetes in Children?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the disturbance of the body’s ability to metabolize sugar (glucose). Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which involves a lack of insulin production, Type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin is either present but not used effectively (tissue insulin resistance) or absent due to the pancreas being unable to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits.
How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Children
Type 2 diabetes can have profound effects on various aspects of a child’s health, including:
Physical Health
Short-term and long-term range of complications are at a higher risk to affect children with type 2 diabetes. In the short term, hyperglycemia includes excessive thirst, increased frequency of urination, tiredness and blurry vision. If left untreated or poorly controlled, Type 2 diabetes can lead some more serious medical conditions can develop, such as:
Heart Disease: Children who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may have higher cardiovascular risks in the future: including heart attack and stroke, due to high blood glucose affecting the blood vessels.
Kidney Damage: Chronic high blood sugars may harm the kidneys causing the risk of kidney diseases among other kidney-related problem in the future
Nerve Damage: High levels of blood sugar may lead to damage of the nerves (neuropathy) hence affecting sensation and pain, and functioning of body organs if untreated for long periods of time.
2. Growth and Development
Diabetes prevails as a major factor limiting the child’s growth and development. Weight gain or failure to maintain a healthy weight, growth retardation, or developmental delays in a child may result from the child’s body not being able to utilize glucose effectively. In addition, an increase in blood sugar levels may interfere with the metabolism of essential nutrients in the body, which is particularly important for a growing child.
3. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
It can be quite a daunting task for children and their families to cope with the uncertainty that comes with living with a chronic condition such as Type 2 diabetes. There are children who feel embarrassed about receiving a diagnosis that is often regarded as a ‘grown up’ disease or feel out of the norm when all their friends are free from such conditions. They could feel anxiety, depression, or frustration, especially when the diabetes is so bad that it is difficult for them to adjust to the way of life that involves healthy eating and working out.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Children
The increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in children can be attributed to several factors, including:
Obesity: Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Having excess fat, especially around the waist, causes the body to become resistant to insulin, making it difficult to control blood sugar levels.
Lack of Physical Activity: There are also medical concerns especially among children who spend a lot of time sitting and playing computer games as it raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy Eating Habit: High availability and consumption of sweet foods, ready-to-eat snacks, and unhealthy oils predispose individuals to insulin resistance as well as obesity.
Familial Factors: Genetics is another factor. Such children whose parents suffered from Type 2 Diabetes stand a greater risk of developing the disease as well.
Conclusion
The rise of type 2 diabetes in children is alarming but it is possible for children to grow and live normal lives with proper care and management. The early intervention, adjustment of behaviors, and seeking help from experts is paramount in controlling the situation and protecting the child’s future. At The Mehra Clinic, our mission is to promote the best diabetes care possible for your child and we provide support throughout the process.Visit us for effective treatment and recommendations to overcome Type 2 diabetes in children tailored to an individual patient.
If you are worried about your child’s condition and health or would like to make an appointment, do not hesitate to communicate with The Mehra Clinic, which is regarded as the best diabetes and endocrine center in Virginia, for your child’s optimal health.