Diabetes is being diagnosed in epic numbers among children in the United States. Obesity and lack of physical activity are two of the major reasons for the prevalence of this disease. The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper is pleased to bring parents this information on detecting diabetes in school-age children.
Diabetes occurs when specialized cells of the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach) do not produce adequate amounts of the hormone insulin. Insulin permits the body to process proteins, fat, and sugars in food to make body tissues, produce energy, and store energy. In people without diabetes, insulin is produced as needed to process food. But people with diabetes have a reduced supply of insulin or none at all.
One in every 400-600 school-age children has diabetes of one form or the other. Type 1 is most common in Caucasian children (both boys and girls), can occur at any age, with the peak presentation occurring between ages 5-7 and at puberty. Type 2 diabetes in children has increased 10 fold over the past 10 years.
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. A person who has Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live.
With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin. Youngsters who are inactive, overeat, and have a family history of diabetes have the greatest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Children in minority groups also have a higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Most commonly, children can experience frequent urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger. There may also be weight loss. The duration of symptoms varies but is often less than a month in Type I diabetes.
Symptoms are often lacking in Type II diabetes and it is frequently diagnosed during routine physicals or screening when a child presents with several risk factors.
Dietary Considerations
Presently, there are no dietary restrictions for people with diabetes. It is important for everyone to have a healthy diet with a mix of foods, carbs, proteins, fats and fiber. At one time it was believed that foods containing table sugar were detrimental to the diabetic. Sweets and treats were forbidden. Research has shown that all carbs turn into the same sugar – glucose – when broken down in the body. For instance, the fructose in fruits, the lactose in milk, the sucrose in a Snickers bar, and the more complex starch in a baked potato will all be broken down and converted to glucose once digested.
See today’s Health eCooking recipe for a diabetes-friendly spring salad treat.
The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper is fortunate to have two, board-certified, Pediatric Endocrinologists and a Pediatric Diabetes Educator in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology to assist our patients and their families. Ernest M. Post, M.D., and Weizhen Xu, M.D., see patients in their offices in Voorhees, Moorestown and Camden.
Upcoming Programs for Children With Diabetes
Join us for two special programs presented by The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper just for children with diabetes and their parents.
Pizza & Bowling Party for Children With Diabetes
April 13, 2009 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Baker Lanes, 761 Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Does bowling affect diabetes? How about pizza? Join us for a special bowling – pizza party for children with diabetes between 8 and 12 years old.
If you’re between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and have diabetes, join Michelle Laranko, R.N., C.D.E., for a free pizza lunch while we discuss the effects of exercise and pizza on blood sugars, followed by bowling!
Parents or guardians will need to be present for blood sugar testing and to administer lunch insulin only.
Sponsored by Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medtronic Minimed, and Lifescan/One Touch Meters.
For more information or to RSVP, call 856-963-3764 by April 9, 2009. Children may register for bumper or regular bowling. Space is limited. Click here for more information.
Discover Diabetes at the Garden State Discovery Museum
May 11, 2009 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Join us for a free program, for children with diabetes (ages 2 – 6) and their parents, featuring dinner and a chaperoned hour of fun at the Discovery Museum!
4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Welcome
4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Test, insulin, dinner
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Children will enjoy the museum chaperoned by Discovery Museum Staff while parents meet in the auditorium. Dinner will be provided, so bring your own meter and insulin!
Sponsored by Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, The Garden State Discovery Museum, & Animas Corporation.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Michelle Laranko, R.N., C.D.E. at 856-963-3764 by April 27, 2009. Space is limited. Click here for more information.
Call 1-800-8-Cooper (800-826-6737) to speak with our physician referral and information service.
