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Type 1 Diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes?

Children who suffer from diabetes usually have type 1 diabetes, also called paediatric type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes among children may require long term care and management.

Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes

The risk of getting type 1 diabetes is higher if the following factors are present:

  • Family history: parents or siblings with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
  • Genetic: the presence of certain genes indicates an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.
  • Race: type 1 diabetes is more common among non-Hispanic white children than among other races.
  • Viruses: exposure to certain viruses may trigger the autoimmune destruction of the islet cells.
  • Diet: early intake of cow's milk has been linked to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, while breast-feeding might lower the risk. The timing of the introduction of cereal into a baby's diet also may affect a child's risk of type 1 diabetes.

Signs & Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes )

If you notice the following type 1 diabetes symptoms in your child, you should consult a doctor:

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination.
  • Extreme hunger.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability or a sudden decline in school performance.
  • Fruity-smelling breath.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Girls may develop genital yeast infections. Babies can develop serious diaper rashes that don’t go away.

Diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes

At Medcare, you can get specialist advice and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis for your child. A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is confirmed by a blood test. A fasting blood sugar test or a random one will be suggested by the doctor. The A1C test will also be prescribed, to know the child’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.

The doctor may also suggest certain additional tests to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These tests are blood tests to check for certain antibodies, and urine tests.

Type 1 diabetes Treatment in Dubai & Sharjah

Consult a paediatrician at Medcare to get the best type 1 diabetes treatment for your child.

If your child is diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes, you will be working closely with the specialists and other experts such as dieticians, to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. 

Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong treatment. Blood sugar monitoring, diet, medications and a fitness routine are all extremely important. 

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Type 1 diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) FAQs

Type 1 diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) FAQs

Inclusions:

  • My child has type 1 diabetes. How can I tell if her blood sugar level has gone too low?

    A: Low blood sugar is an emergency for children with type 1 diabetes. Watch out for these symptoms and get immediate medical help.

    • Confusion, sweating, weakness or dizziness
    • Rapid pulse or shallow breathing
    • Cold, clammy skin
    • Blurred vision
    • Extreme hunger
  • Kids are seeing sugary and fat foods everywhere – cakes, pizzas and ice-creams. How do I get my type 1 diabetes child to avoid these?

    A: Your child needs more fruit, vegetables and grains, and less fatty and sugary food in a type 1 diabetes diet. It’s best if the entire family adopts a healthier diet. You can give your child some sugary foods, but you will need to monitor sugar levels more carefully. Encourage your child to tell you what she or he has consumed. 

    Some kids will hide this for fear of upsetting the parents, and this can be dangerous. Offer tastier options that are also healthy at home, so you can balance the urge to eat sugary foods outside.

  • My child has type 1 diabetes. Is it safe for her to exercise?

    A: Yes, exercise is good for your child, but will need some planning. Exercise and fitness will help your child to manage her diabetes all her life, so you should encourage her, but you will need to monitor blood sugar levels. 

    Discuss with your doctor and create a fitness routine and medication plan for her. If she will be training with an instructor, inform the instructor how to recognize low or high blood sugar symptoms.

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