Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), an essential source of energy for the body. Children can develop both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, although the causes and treatments differ. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide comprehensive care for children with diabetes, helping them manage their condition through personalized treatment plans and ongoing support. Serving families in Atlanta from our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, we are committed to helping children with diabetes live healthy and active lives.
Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, making it one of the most common forms of diabetes in children.
Dr. Sells is fantastic! We have been with her since our baby since her release from the NICU! Dr. Sells is very knowledgeable and patient! She has helped our baby love her visits to the doctor, even requesting to go see “Dr. Sells” without a scheduled appointment. Thank you for the special gifts (books) at each scheduled doctor’s visit! Perfect touch!
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Frequent Urination
Children with Type 1 diabetes may need to urinate more often than usual as their body tries to flush excess sugar from the bloodstream.
Increased Thirst
Constant thirst, even after drinking fluids, is a common sign of elevated blood sugar levels.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Despite eating normally or even more than usual, children with Type 1 diabetes may lose weight because their body cannot absorb glucose for energy.
Fatigue
Children may feel unusually tired or weak due to the body’s inability to use sugar for energy.
Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can affect the lenses in the eyes, leading to blurred vision.
Fruity Breath Odor
A distinct, sweet-smelling breath can indicate the presence of ketones, a byproduct of fat breakdown when the body lacks insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Although historically seen in adults, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Increased Hunger
Children with Type 2 diabetes may feel hungry more often as their body struggles to process glucose effectively.
Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, can be an early sign of insulin resistance.
Frequent Infections
Recurrent infections, such as skin or urinary tract infections, can occur in children with uncontrolled blood sugar.
Slow-Healing Sores
Cuts or wounds may take longer to heal due to poor circulation and high blood sugar levels.
Darkened Skin Patches
A condition called acanthosis nigricans, characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin, can appear in children with insulin resistance, often around the neck, armpits, or groin.
Juvenile Diabetes Treatment in Atlanta
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we offer comprehensive care for children with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Our approach to juvenile diabetes treatment focuses on helping children maintain stable blood sugar levels and preventing complications through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and ongoing support.
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes
Managing Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin therapy, as the body no longer produces insulin. Treatment typically includes:
Insulin Therapy
Children with Type 1 diabetes need regular insulin injections or use of an insulin pump to regulate blood sugar levels. Your pediatrician will work with you to determine the best insulin regimen based on your child’s individual needs.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Frequent blood sugar checks are essential for maintaining stable glucose levels. Parents and children will be trained to monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day, especially before meals and bedtime.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet plays a key role in managing Type 1 diabetes. We provide guidance on healthy eating habits, including how to balance carbohydrate intake with insulin doses to prevent blood sugar spikes or dips.
Exercise
Regular physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves overall health. We’ll provide advice on how to safely incorporate exercise into your child’s routine while monitoring their blood sugar.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Managing Type 2 diabetes in children often involves lifestyle changes to help the body use insulin more effectively. Treatment for Type 2 diabetes may include:
Weight Management
Weight loss and healthy eating habits are critical for improving insulin sensitivity. We provide personalized nutrition plans that emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing sugar and processed foods.
Physical Activity
Increasing physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Regular exercise, such as walking, biking, or swimming, is encouraged for children with Type 2 diabetes.
Medications
In some cases, oral medications such as metformin may be prescribed to help the body use insulin more effectively. These medications help control blood sugar levels, particularly if lifestyle changes are not enough.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Like Type 1 diabetes, children with Type 2 diabetes may need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure they stay within a healthy range.
Preventing Diabetes Complications
Early diagnosis and proper management of diabetes are essential for preventing complications that can arise from uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Some of the potential complications of diabetes in children include:
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
A serious condition that occurs when the body starts breaking down fat for energy due to a lack of insulin, resulting in a dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood. DKA is more common in Type 1 diabetes and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Heart Disease
Children with poorly managed diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life due to high blood sugar levels affecting the arteries.
Nerve Damage
Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, a condition known as neuropathy.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes can impair kidney function, leading to conditions such as diabetic nephropathy if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
By managing your child’s diabetes effectively through medication, diet, and regular monitoring, these complications can often be prevented or minimized.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Diabetes
-
The frequency of blood sugar checks depends on the type of diabetes and the treatment plan. For Type 1 diabetes, children may need to check their levels several times a day. For Type 2, monitoring may be less frequent but should still be done regularly.
-
Children with diabetes can enjoy occasional treats, but it’s important to monitor portion sizes and balance them with insulin or other medications. Healthy eating habits should be the foundation of your child’s diabetes management plan.
-
Genetics can play a role in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, environmental factors, lifestyle, and other factors also contribute to the development of the condition.
-
Yes, regular physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels and can improve insulin sensitivity, especially in children with Type 2 diabetes. Exercise should be a part of your child’s daily routine.
-
Children with Type 1 diabetes will need insulin therapy for life since their bodies do not produce insulin. Children with Type 2 diabetes may not always need insulin and can often manage the condition with lifestyle changes and medications.
Schedule an Appointment for Juvenile Diabetes Treatment in Atlanta
If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes or is showing symptoms, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an appointment. Our pediatricians specialize in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in children, offering expert care and support at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur.