Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on Children

Diabetes is becoming common in children, causing them distress and frightening their parents. There are several complications of the disease, one being the need for insulin or needles to relieve of physical pain. Adherence to guidelines can treat and control the diabetic condition of children, allowing them to revel in every moment they live. If parents succeed in conveying basic dos and don’ts to their children, impact of diabetes is reduced to a considerable extent and it become less threatening.

In type 2 diabetic condition, one needs to maintain blood sugar level by following a healthy, balanced diet and not skipping meals. In a failure to do so, child faces health issues such as becoming overweight, experiencing no thirst and no urination. For treatment of such a condition, he has to undergo blood sugar monitoring and insulin treatments.

Few effects of Type II Dabetes in children are listed below:

Physical Pain

In Type 1 diabetic condition, children experience sudden weight loss, changes in vision and fatigue. These symptoms and signs are accompanied by uncontrollable bed wetting, constant thirst, excessive urination, increased hunger and breathing issues. In the condition, breath of the child resembles a fruity odour.

On the other hand, Type 2 diabetic condition in children makes them overweight. Most of the times, there is lack of thirst and no increase in urination. Other prominent symptom of type 2 diabetic condition is development of dark patches on skin (usually at back of the neck, between the fingers and between the toes). Some studies have also associated its cause to family history.

Change in Behaviour

Diabetes increases crankiness or irritability. In order to accommodate the blood sugar levels, there should be several alterations in eating options. Being restricted to home food refrains children from extracurricular events, sometimes making them anti-social.

There is a constant need of monitoring blood sugar levels and hyper or hypo-glycemic reactions of diabetics in public. Child’s parents or caregivers' must have know-how to calm him down in case of a diabetic reaction. Ashamed of the diabetic reaction, child will avoid his friends or participation in activities.

Physical Activities

Child with type 2 diabetes becomes a loner, avoids physical activities owing to the fear of public reaction. Moreover, he abstains from participating in school gatherings and family functions, doubting himself and his abilities. Due to these doubts and fears, they shy away from sports, games and physical activities. That is how fears and doubts affect physical growth of children.

Read more articles on Diabetes Causes and Risks