Diabetes in Children is a chronic disease that is increasingly common today and is not as distant as many families think. Recognizing the symptoms early can help diagnose and treat quickly, reduce the risk of complications, and allow children to live as close to normal as possible.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where blood sugar levels are continuously higher than normal, caused by abnormalities in the insulin hormone. Insulin’s role is to transport sugar from the bloodstream into cells to be used as energy. When the body lacks insulin or cannot use it properly, sugar accumulates in the blood and affects various organs in the long term.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Children: Signs Not to Overlook
Symptoms of diabetes in children often start with mild signs but can be observed, such as:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unusually frequent thirst
- Frequent hunger and increased eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
Emergency Condition to Watch For: DKA
DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) is a complication from very high blood sugar that can be life-threatening, with symptoms such as:
- Dehydration
- Deep, rapid breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy or unconsciousness
If these symptoms are found, children should be taken to see a doctor immediately.
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Children
Accurate diagnosis from the early stage is important for long-term treatment planning. Diagnosis is made by testing blood sugar levels using medical criteria such as:
- HbA1C ≥ 6.5%
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 126 mg/dL
- 2-hour glucose tolerance test ≥ 200 mg/dL
- Or symptoms combined with blood sugar ≥ 200 mg/dL
Types of Diabetes in Children
Children can have several types of diabetes, but the most common are:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
Caused by the body’s immune system destroying pancreatic cells → resulting in the body “lacking insulin.”
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Caused by “insulin resistance,” often associated with obesity and lifestyle behaviors such as consuming sugary, high-fat foods and lack of exercise.
Treatment of Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes requires insulin treatment in various forms, such as:
- Twice daily injections before breakfast and dinner
- Three times daily injections before breakfast, dinner, and bedtime
- Four times daily injections before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime (this method mimics natural insulin)
- Insulin Pump provides continuous insulin delivery combined with CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) to track blood sugar levels in real-time
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
- Oral medications
- Diet control
- Exercise
In cases of very high blood sugar (HbA1C ≥ 8.5%), insulin may be needed initially.
Caring for Children with Diabetes Requires More Than Just Treatment
Caring for children with diabetes involves more than just medication; it requires holistic care, including:
- Providing knowledge to children and parents
- Planning appropriate nutrition
- Continuous blood sugar monitoring
- Adjusting medication appropriately at each stage of life
Especially in the early diagnosis phase, families often have many concerns and questions. Having a medical team and staff who provide close guidance helps parents gain confidence in caring for their child.
Comprehensive Care Approach at Phyathai 2 Hospital
With experience in caring for children with diabetes, the pediatric endocrinology specialist team, along with a multidisciplinary team including:
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- Pediatric endocrinologists
- Diabetes center nurses
- Pediatric nurses
- Nutritionists
will collaboratively plan personalized care, providing guidance from the first day of diagnosis through long-term care. Additionally, there are channels for parents to consult doctors directly to help solve blood sugar control issues and adjust treatment plans in real life.
Early Detection, Proper Care, Children Can Live Confidently
Diabetes in children may initially cause many families to worry, but with accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and continuous care, children with diabetes can grow, learn, and live a quality life.
If your child shows suspicious symptoms or is at risk of diabetes, it is recommended to have an evaluation with a specialist.
At Phyathai 2 Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for children with diabetes with a specialist medical team and technology that makes treatment “easy to understand and truly controllable.”
