In most people's impression, diabetes seems to have nothing to do with children. However, in recent years, more and more children have been diagnosed with diabetes, which has caused panic. What is the reason for this? Let's learn about the early symptoms of diabetes in children.
Causes of Diabetes in Children
1. Genetic factors: If there is a family history of type 1 diabetes, newborns can be affected by genetic inheritance during the mother's pregnancy, and they may develop the disease in the future. If the patient is the mother, the newborn has a 2-3% chance of developing the disease. If the patient is the father, this number rises to 5-6%.
In addition, if one of the twins has type 1 diabetes, the other twin has a more than 50% chance of developing the disease in the future. If they are fraternal twins, when one of them is a type 1 diabetes patient, the other twin also has a 5-6% chance of developing type 1 diabetes symptoms.
2. Environmental factors: External environment is another factor that can induce immune system variation. Common types include viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, mumps virus, and rubella virus.
3. Chemical substances: Such as pyrinuron (a component of rat poison), streptozotocin (chemotherapy drug), etc.
4. Early exposure to cow's milk: Infants and young children have an underdeveloped immune system. If they are exposed to cow's milk or formula within the first three months after birth, it may trigger an immune reaction. Therefore, women should still breastfeed their children after childbirth and discuss with a doctor when it is appropriate to introduce milk products.
Early Symptoms of Diabetes in Children
1. Sudden weight loss and increased appetite
The most typical symptom of diabetes is weight loss despite increased appetite. If a child in the family suddenly becomes significantly thinner and has an increased appetite, it may be a symptom of diabetes. Parents should be vigilant in such cases.
2. Fatigue, weakness, and susceptibility to infections
Generally, children are full of energy and vitality during their growth and development. However, if a child consistently appears lethargic and easily fatigued, it may be a precursor to diabetes. Additionally, if a child has repeated infections, slow healing wounds, and ulceration, it may indicate the presence of diabetes.
3. Frequent abdominal pain and vomiting
This condition is easily misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal disease, which can worsen the condition. Parents should have sufficient knowledge of their child's daily life and mental state to provide the doctor with enough diagnostic information.
4. Frequent thirst
If a child experiences frequent urination for a period of time or starts bedwetting after being dry for many years, parents should take the child for diabetes testing.
Dietary Misconceptions in the Care of Diabetes in Children
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes in children. However, there are some dietary misconceptions that can lead to complications in children with diabetes. We must break away from these misconceptions.
Dietary Misconception 1: Diabetic patients cannot eat sweets. Experts say that diabetic patients should mainly avoid foods that contain sucrose and glucose, but foods made with protein sugar, xylitol, and aspartame can be consumed.
Dietary Misconception 2: Whole grains have high sugar content, while coarse grains have low sugar content. Experts remind us that the sugar content of coarse and refined grains is similar. Flour is 75%, rice is 74%, millet is 74%, and corn is 76%. The promotion of eating coarse grains for diabetic patients is because coarse grains are rich in dietary fiber, which can inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines.
Dietary Misconception 3: Lastly, nuts have low sugar content, so it's okay to eat them. This is a common dietary misconception among diabetic patients and it is incorrect. Although melon seeds and peanuts have low sugar content, they are high in fat. 100 grams of peanuts contain the same amount of calories as 200 grams of steamed buns, and fat can be converted into sugar in the body.
