What comes to your mind when you hear the word diabetes? Sugar and adults. Well, you’ll be surprised to know that Diabetes is affecting children around the world.
It’s a condition where a child has high blood sugar and the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the insulin produced doesn’t work in the body like it should (type 2 diabetes).
SYMPTOMS OF KIDS DIABETES
Most parents are not aware of symptoms of diabetes in their children. The signs develop quickly- typically over a period of weeks.
Here are the first signs of diabetes in children:
1. INCREASED THIRST AND URINATION
Excess blood sugar levels pull fluid from the tissues which leave the child very thirsty. This results in increased consumption of water and frequent urination.
2. EXTREME HUNGER
When insulin levels are low, the energy levels deplete, which means your child needs more food for growth and development making the child hungry.
3. BLURRED VISION
If the blood sugar is too high, it causes the eyes to swell. It also results in leakage of fluids from the retina or eye lens. This creates a hazy or blurred vision.
4. FATIGUE
Your child may experience loss of energy and may seem tired. If tiredness lasts for a longer than usual in an otherwise active kid, it is a cause for concern.
5. WEIGHT LOSS
Due to irregular insulin levels in the body, muscle tissues and fats begin breaking down fast. This leads to rapid weight loss in children, even if they are consuming more food than ever.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS TO CHECK DIABETES IN THEIR CHILD
Parents have a crucial role to play if their child is diabetic. It requires special attention to the kid’s lifestyle and diet. Here are some of the precautions that parents can take while checking for diabetes in their child;
- Regular check-up of the blood sugar levels
- Type-1 diabetes involves doses of regular insulin shots to keep the blood sugar at normal range.
- A healthy diet and a well-planned fitness regime to keep the child hearty and fit.
Remember, kids diabetes is caused majorly due to genetic or environmental factors. Thanks to advancement and treatment options, diabetic children can lead a long and healthy life.
Securing your kid’s health becomes even more crucial if he/she is suffering from diabetes, therefore a health insurance plan is a must. Different health insurers tend to have varying terms and conditions that govern the child’s coverage from that point. Look for a plan that will cover the child from the first day.
Read the fine print and ask all the questions possible (no matter how silly you think they may be) so you are clear about the health insurance policy you purchase for your child.
You may consult Oshobaba Health Tunnel to compare health insurance plans of choice and you can even get quotes in a matter of minutes! For instance, insurance providers have a variety of of family and individual plans for all your needs.
