The global burden of diabetes has been growing at an alarming rate with theInternational Diabetes Federation declaring India as the country with the highest number of diabetics, 61.3 million in 2011. The projections for 2030 has earned India the dubious title of being the diabetes capital of the world.
The IDF has also documented that 78,000 children develop Type 1 diabetes every year all over the world, and the South-East Asian Region has the highest cases of Type 1 diabetesin children, with about 111,500 already affected. In 2011, an estimated 18,000 children under the age of 15 years developed diabetes in this region, with India accounting for the highest number of type 1 diabetic children in the entire region.
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Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. When diabetes strikes during childhood, it is routinely assumed to be type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. The body simply stops producing insulin and the child becomes dependent on an external source of insulin for the rest of his/her life. However, in the last two decades, type 2 diabetes is also increasing among children and adolescents between the age group of 10-19 years, especially the obese ones with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, although the body does produce insulin, but due to various reasons such as obesity, physical inactivity or a poor diet, there is insulin resistance and so the child is dependent on external sources of insulin.
Meet 8-year-old Vinita Panchal. She suffers from Type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed when she was just 4 years old. Vinita is just like any other 8 year old child, with just one difference, she has to have her blood sugar levels monitored regularly and has to watch what she eats. Vinita also has to take insulin injections everyday and has to avoid eating sweets and chocolates. What makes her stand out is that Vinita is a state level Taekwondo Champion and has won numerous prizes and competitions besides excelling in her studies. She did not let this disease stop her from achieving her ambitions. Instead, she accepts it as a lifestyle change and knows that she is leading a healthier life compared to most of her peers.
Type I diabetes is very common in kids. The problems faced by kids with Type 1 diabetes is very different compared to most adults. They have no option but to depend on insulin therapy all their lives. But with the advent of insulin pens and insulin pumps, the agony of painful pricks has disappeared. Also, if one maintains a healthy lifestyleand is physically active, he/ she can lead a notmal life. In such cases, a small treat once in a while will do no harm.
It is not contagious. You cannot catch diabetes from someone who has it. Yes, type 2 diabetes is hereditary, but being aware and taking precautions can prevent it or at least delay its onset. A lot still needs to be done, a definitive cure is still elusive, but the fight is not over. Small preventive measures can make a huge difference- so embark on ahealthy lifestyle to fight diabetes.
SOURCE: HEALTHMEUP
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