Diabetes in Children: Uncovering the Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2, Who is More Vulnerable?

Kapanlagi.com - Diabetes, often dubbed "sugar disease", is a health issue closely related to high blood sugar levels in the body. This disease knows no age and can lurk anyone, from children to adults. According to data from dataindonesia.id, Indonesia ranks fifth in the world for the highest number of diabetes sufferers in 2021, reaching a staggering 19.5 million people aged 20 to 79 years.

Although many believe that diabetes only affects adults, the reality is that this disease can also afflict children. Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, is the most commonly found type in children. However, do not take it lightly! Type 2 diabetes can also strike the little ones, especially those with certain risk factors, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.

So, what are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? And which one is more likely to affect children? Let's delve deeper into these two types of diabetes, starting from the causes, symptoms, to treatment methods so that we all understand better and can take appropriate preventive measures, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Friday (24/1/2025).

1. Causes of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have fundamental differences that are interesting to observe, especially in terms of their causes. Type 1 diabetes occurs due to an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin, resulting in the body's inability to produce this vital hormone to convert glucose into energy.

As a result, blood sugar levels spike sharply. Although the exact cause of this autoimmune reaction remains a mystery, genetic factors and certain viral infections, such as mumps and Coxsackie virus, are suspected to contribute.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is more related to lifestyle; although the body still produces insulin, the body’s cells do not respond to it well, known as insulin resistance. This causes blood sugar levels to remain high, even with insulin present.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as lack of physical activity, a high-calorie diet, obesity, and aging, are major factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

2. Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Which is More Dangerous?

Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, shares similarities in symptoms, but the way they manifest can be very different.

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly within weeks. Children suffering from this disease often exhibit excessive thirst, rapid hunger, increased frequency of urination, drastic weight loss, fatigue, and have wounds that are difficult to heal.

If not addressed promptly, this condition can lead to serious complications such as life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis.

Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes develops slowly and often does not show clear symptoms in the early stages, which is why many sufferers only realize their condition after experiencing serious complications, such as vision problems or kidney issues.

This is why type 2 diabetes is often undiagnosed until the condition becomes quite severe.

3. Treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Can It Be Cured?

Diabetes, although it is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, can still be managed so that sufferers can enjoy a normal life.

For children facing type 1 diabetes, they must undergo a strict routine of insulin injections, as their bodies are unable to produce insulin naturally.

Every day, they must monitor their blood sugar levels and receive insulin injections several times to maintain vital balance.

Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes offers a more varied approach in the early stages; healthy dietary changes, regular exercise, and weight management can be key to controlling this disease.

However, if the condition worsens, doctors may prescribe oral diabetes medications or even insulin to help patients stay healthy.

4. Are Children More Vulnerable to Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, which commonly affects children and teenagers, is more frequently found in those aged between 7 and 12 years, although infants and toddlers are also not exempt from this threat.

However, a concerning trend has emerged alongside the increasing cases of obesity among children, making type 2 diabetes more prevalent.

Children with a family history of diabetes, those who rarely exercise, and those who enjoy consuming sweet foods are at high risk of facing type 2 diabetes at a young age.

5. How to Prevent Diabetes in Children

Type 1 diabetes is indeed difficult to prevent due to autoimmune factors, but don’t worry! Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with simple steps towards a healthy lifestyle.

Parents can play an active role by managing their child's diet, such as reducing high-sugar and simple carbohydrate foods. Encourage children to be active for at least 60 minutes every day, whether through playing, running, or exercising.

Additionally, it is also important to ensure that children maintain an ideal weight and avoid obesity, as well as limit the consumption of sweet drinks like soda.

By adopting this healthy lifestyle, the risk of type 2 diabetes in children can be minimized from an early age!

6. Can type 1 diabetes be cured?

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong challenge, but that doesn't mean it can't be managed.

With proper management through insulin injections and the implementation of a healthy lifestyle, patients can lead a quality and active life.

7. What foods should a child with diabetes avoid?

Tempting foods like sweet candies, refreshing sodas, soft white bread, and fast food dishes rich in trans fats and processed carbohydrates are indeed hard to resist.

However, behind the enjoyment lies health risks that we need to be aware of.

8. Can a child with type 1 diabetes live a normal life?

With proper care, children with type 1 diabetes can lead a healthy and active life, just like their peers.

They can still play, learn, and explore the world enthusiastically, as long as they receive good support and management for their condition.

(kpl/rao)