National Diabetes Week: Symptoms and Effective Steps
In support of National Diabetes Week and its campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of early diabetes detection and effective measures, we want to provide information for you and your family on how to spot symptoms and how to communicate this with your children. Many Australians are being diagnosed with Diabetes too late, consequently placing many people at risk of major life-threatening health problems. Educating yourself and your children is vital to prevention and management of Diabetes, especially at a young age.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune condition, which prevents the body from producing the needed amount of natural insulin in the pancreas. This means that external measures need to be taken to ensure the right amount of insulin is delivered when necessary. Unfortunately, Type 1 can be developed at different stages of life with no cure or prevention. It is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions, with extreme cases becoming life threatening when correct measures are not taken.
These are some symptoms to help you spot diabetes in yourself and your children:
- Being excessively thirsty
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Always feeling hungry
- Passing more urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mood swings
- Leg cramps
- Headaches and dizziness
- Slow healing cuts
- Itching and skin infections
If you notice any of these symptoms or they start to occur suddenly, see a doctor immediately. Through a quick blood test, they are able to see if you have type 1 diabetes.
It is very important that children know when and how to effectively communicate their needs so that people are able to help them. This means that the children will need to know themselves when they need help to balance their insulin levels. Education on their symptoms starts at home.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or loses the capability to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. Type 2 Diabetes represents 85-90% of all diabetes cases in Australia, with the progressive condition becoming more severe as time goes on, impacting the body later in life. If your family has a history of Type 2 Diabetes, it is important to manage your child’s awareness and health from a young age.
Type 2 Diabetes has the same symptoms of as Type 1 but it also has strong genetic risk factors, which can be managed through various health and lifestyle changes. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to assess which type of Diabetes your child might have.
Due to diabetes’ progressive nature, it is crucial to be paying attention to your children’s health patterns from a young age. Understanding what your child is eating and making sure they have a healthy and balanced diet is the first step towards effective insulin management.
Here at Bonny Babes, we understand that diabetes affects families in different ways and we are proud to support the health and wellbeing of all children at our service.
If you wish to know more about Diabetes Australia or would like to show support and donate, visit: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/campaign
Looking for high-quality child care for your little one? If you live around Coomera, Hope Island or Oxenford, you’ve found the right place.
