Diabetes is a chronic condition that is complex to treat. There are two types of diabetes. The first is insulin-dependent diabetes (damage to the cells that produce insulin, resulting in the inability to process sugar entering the body). The second is insulin-independent diabetes (insensitivity of cellular receptors to insulin).
Causes
Many factors influence the onset and development of diabetes. First and foremost is heredity (if one of the parents has diabetes, there is a high probability of the child developing the disease). Overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, and excess weight—individually and collectively—stimulate the development of diabetes by reducing the sensitivity of cellular receptors to insulin or excessively burdening insulin-producing cells. Frequent infections (compromising the immune system leads to excessive antibody production, negatively affecting the body itself).
Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes in a child can be identified by the following signs:
- severe unexplained thirst (the child drinks a lot of water, even at night)
- frequent urination (enuresis may occur)
- excessive dryness of mucous membranes and skin
- weight loss (insufficient nutrition for cells)
- deterioration of vision
- weakness and rapid fatigue (lack of energy in the body).
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Israel
Based on the study of the child's symptoms, a doctor in Israel will order laboratory blood tests for sugar levels and glucose tolerance testing. Additionally, an ultrasound examination of the pancreas is performed to ensure there are no inflammatory processes present.
Treatment of Diabetes in Israel
In Israel, the treatment of diabetes in children is handled by an endocrinologist. For insulin-dependent diabetes, treatment involves replenishing the deficiency of insulin in the blood. The child is prescribed short-acting insulin injections. Careful monitoring of the timing and amount of sugar entering the blood is essential. The child must adhere to a diet and eat on time. An overdose of insulin can lead to hypoglycemic coma. Daily blood sugar levels are measured using a glucometer. In some cases, a pancreas transplant is performed. Insulin-independent diabetes primarily requires the child to follow a diet, excluding easily digestible carbohydrates from their diet.
Prevention
To prevent the development of diabetes in a child, it is necessary to avoid contributing factors and pay close attention to their health. The child should eat properly, be physically active, and engage in hardening activities.