6 Signs of Childhood Diabetes

Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent chronic disease among children. However, recognizing the signs of diabetes is a challenge for most parents. Childhood diabetes might not be recognized until the child is very ill primarily because the changes are usually subtle and the onset is quite slow.

Although discovering that your child is suffering from diabetes can be distressing for any parent, it is better to find out early enough than to miss the signs of diabetes completely.

What are the signs of diabetes in children?

Unquenchable Thirst

Children with undiagnosed diabetes are constantly thirsty. This is mainly because as blood glucose builds up in the bloodstream, more fluid is pulled from the body tissues. Moreover, these children may crave cold drinks and sweets. In case the water in the blood is not sufficient, the body extracts water from surrounding tissues. Therefore, the body becomes dehydrated and the thirst mechanism kicks in.

Frequent Urination

The urge to urinate a lot is one of the most common early signs of childhood diabetes. In this case, your child goes to the restroom more often than normal or starts wetting the bed all of a sudden even though they were toilet trained before.

Since the child is drinking more, they will also visit the restroom more. However, there can be other reasons for frequent urination such as the inability of the child to empty the bladder completely, urinary tract infection, or Daytime Urinary Frequency Syndrome which is formally known as Pollakiuria.

Rapid Loss in Weight

This is an extreme symptom of diabetes in children mainly because children rarely lose weight. In this case, the child still loses weight even when they continuously consume plenty of food. Weight loss is usually caused by an inadequate supply of energy in the body. Therefore, the body extracts energy from reserved fat stores.

Besides making the immune system weaker, excessive weight loss in children might also result in weakness and tired feelings. Drastic weight loss in children is a very dangerous sign whether diabetes is involved or not and the child should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Yeast Infection

Excessive weight loss makes the immune system weaker and prone to plenty of infections. The child might develop rashes on the skin due to yeast infection. Therefore, it is vital to give your child plenty of water to drink and feed him/her a healthy diet.

Extreme Hunger

A child suffering from diabetes might eat constantly without gaining weight. This can be attributed to the inability of the body to utilize food and in effect, the food simply flows through the child’s digestive system.

Blurred Vision

The decreased level of fluid in the blood and body tissues including the eye lenses might create vision difficulties. This might cause various eyesight problems including blurred vision. Unfortunately, the child might be unable to detect or even complain about problems with their eyesight.

Untreated diabetes might have serious consequences for the child. Some of the short-term risks include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and increased ketones in the urine (ketone acidosis).

Some of the lifelong or long-term risks include; nerve and vascular damage, amputations, blindness, and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Besides identifying the signs of diabetes in children, it is also the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the child gets a proper diagnosis and also takes medication as instructed by the doctor.

Other Signs of Childhood Diabetes

A breath that smells sweet and like fruit is one of the warning signs of childhood diabetes. This symptom can also be sneaky in that it may be explained as absent from the fruity flavored toothpaste that youngsters use as of late or from the nutritious fruit snacks that they’re fed.

The sweet scent of their breath is really a consequence of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is the body’s attempt to get rid of acetone through the respiratory system.

Sweet-smelling breath is often a signal that poisonous ketones (acid by-products of fats being broken down for power) are constructing up inside the entire body. This symptom out of many signs of childhood diabetes is really an indicator that they urgently need diabetes medication.

Get Childhood Diabetes under Control!

Good eating habits and regular exercise, even for your children (and for yourselves as role models) goes a very long way to stabilizing Childhood Diabetes.

Weight Loss Balloon: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks

An intragastric balloon, also known as a ‘weight loss balloon’ or gastric balloon placement is a weight loss procedure that involves temporarily inserting a soft balloon into the stomach. The procedure is done using an endoscope (non-surgically) and it helps you feel full faster and consequently reduces the amount of food you eat.

This endoscopic treatment is often combined with physical activity and a balanced diet in order to help you lose weight. A weight loss balloon is often an option for people who have concerns about their weight and exercise and diet haven’t worked for them.

Just like other weight loss procedures, a gastric balloon should be combined with a healthier lifestyle. This often involves making permanent healthy adjustments to your diet and getting regular exercise to improve the procedure’s long-term success.

Why is it done?

The main reason why an intragastric balloon is placed in your stomach is to help you lose weight by eating less. Weight loss helps you decrease your risk of serious weight-related complications, such as:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Heart disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Obstructive sleep apnea

Most weight loss procedures, including intragastric balloon placement, are usually done only after trying to lose weight through exercise and diet changes.

Is a weight-loss balloon right for me?

A weight loss balloon is typically an option for people who:

Have a BMI (body mass index) of between 30 and 40.
Are ready and willing to make healthy lifestyle changes, participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, and get regular medical check-ups.
Have never undergone any esophageal or stomach surgery.

Keep in mind that weight loss balloons are not the best option for everyone who is obese or overweight. Patients usually undergo a screening process to help determine whether the procedure is the right choice for them.

Breakthrough in weight loss procedures

Weight loss surgeries have gained immense popularity over the last few years. However, new strategies have emerged for the treatment and management of obesity. The weight loss balloon is designed for people who are not only overweight but also may be unable to undergo surgical weight loss procedures, such as bariatric surgery.

A weight loss balloon is a safe, non-invasive weight loss solution. By partially filling your stomach, the balloon leaves less room for food, making you eat less. Moreover, it creates a feeling of prolonged fullness between meals, hence reducing your cravings.

The balloon is removed after about 6 months, allowing you to continue maintaining your new healthy lifestyle. Therefore, a weight loss balloon is basically a tool that helps you adopt better weight-loss strategies as well as portion control.

Your doctor will monitor your metabolic health and food intake before and after inserting the intragastric balloon.

Key benefits of intragastric balloon

The weight loss balloon eliminates the need for risky surgical procedures.
The procedure is quick and the recovery period is short, allowing you to resume normal activities quickly.
Weight loss balloons can help improve several obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and stroke.
Eliminates the need for nutritional supplements

Risks and complications

Weight loss balloons are very safe. However, some extremely rare complications may arise, such as:

Ulcers
Bursting or leakage of the balloon
Gastric issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, and reflux.
Bleeding or rapture in the windpipe or stomach as a result of faulty insertion
Early removal due to intolerance of the weight loss balloon.
Bloating or stomach cramping

Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce, some side effects, which usually improve over a few days. However, serious complications may require advanced medical intervention, including surgery (very rare).

Tips to help reduce your risk of complications

Follow the recommended lifestyle and dietary guidelines before and after the procedure.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Seek medical attention immediately in case of unexpected side effects such as bleeding, increase in pain, or fever.
Tell your doctor if you have any medical allergies.

Thought about bariatric surgery for diabetes? Read more about it HERE!

The bottom-line

Studies indicate that when combined with healthy exercise and diet habits, an intragastric balloon can help patients lose up to 15% of their body weight in 6 to 12 months after the procedure.

In addition to helping you achieve your weight loss goals, a weight loss balloon can also help reduce your risk of other obesity-related complications. It is also a great option for people who may not be candidates for other weight loss medical procedures.

Be sure to choose a certified and experienced doctor to improve your odds of success. This is very important because it also affects whether the weight loss balloon is safe or not.

Canadian Diabetic Supplies

These uncertain and unprecedented times have brought some concerns to the Canadian diabetes community, particularly with regard to diabetic supplies. The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and Diabetes Canada have been actively monitoring the situation and have been in touch with manufacturers and governments who are committed to making sure that diabetic supplies are available to Canadians.

Information availed by manufacturers of diabetes-related drugs and devices shows there are no shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Food and Drug Regulations typically require governments and manufacturers to report whenever they are unable to meet the demand for any drug product.

According to the CPhA, when insulin products are not available at a particular pharmacy, it is probably localized and temporary due to higher than expected demand for a drug product.

Patients and pharmacists are encouraged to maintain ongoing and open communications to ensure diabetes patients have undisrupted access to the diabetic supplies they require during these times.

Importance of access to Canadian diabetic supplies

If you are diabetic, you should have access to the right medication, supplies, and devices in a timely manner. Moreover, you should be able to access affordable treatment that allows you to achieve a good quality of life.

Access to Canadian diabetic supplies that best meet your specific needs helps reduce your risk of hospitalizations and complications. Evidence-based treatments should be availed through public plans for people who need them. Therefore, federal, territorial and provincial governments should ensure that the costs associated with diabetes medication, diabetes-related complications, and diabetes supplies are not a burden or barrier to managing the disease.

Determining your diabetic supplies coverage.

Federal, territorial and provincial governments are responsible for managing public diabetic drug benefits for various groups, based on eligibility.

Coverage eligibility

Eligibility criteria for public diabetic drug coverage are mainly based on factors such as income and age, among others. Coverage of diabetes medications, supplies, and devices is usually subject to co-payments and deductibles that are income-related.

Each employer, territorial, provincial and private health plan has its own unique list of supplies, devices, and medications that it covers, known as a medications formulary chart.

Patients and other interested parties should read the formulary to see the supplies covered by the NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits Program) as well as each territorial or provincial drug plan.

It is essential to keep in mind that your devices, supplies, and medications may not be fully covered by the plan, even for members of insurance plans (private or public). Contact your provider or simply check the details of the plan to understand the terms and conditions of the coverage.

Insulin pumps and supplies

Most territories and provinces have insulin pump programs. However, coverage and eligibility criteria vary.

Coverage denial

In case you are denied coverage for specific devices or drugs, review your plan for the terms and conditions that should be met. You can also consult your healthcare provider to determine your eligibility or alternative treatment options if coverage is not available.

When medications and supplies are not available in Canada

If the diabetes medications or supplies you need are not available in Canada, your healthcare provider can apply to the SAP (Special Access Program) on your behalf. In some cases, you may have to cover some costs out-of-pocket when using this program.

Coverage is uneven across Canada because decisions are made in each territory and province. As a result, each territory or province covers what it considers necessary, typically driven by its legislators and agenda.

For instance, what is covered in Quebec may not be covered in Ontario. On the other hand, health professional shortages in some areas have led to long wait times to see professionals. Therefore, diabetes self-management is extremely essential.

What about new diabetes technology?

New diabetes management technology comes slowly in Canada largely because manufacturers must overcome various challenges to get it approved. Both provincial and federal approvals are required, and labeling must be in English and French to comply with the country’s language legislation. The entire process can be daunting.

The availability of ‘new’ diabetes management technology in Canada has been lagging behind the United States. For instance, it hasn’t been until the recent past that insulin pumps have gradually become more common. However, their use is still far from the norm.

The use of CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) also lags behind partly because provincial plans have not yet included them in their covers. As a result, patients who want to use them pay out-of-pocket.

In the provinces and territories that don’t cover insulin pumps, some insurance companies pick up the tab for insulin pumps and other diabetic supplies.

Read the latest news about diabetic watches HERE!

Facts On Type 1 Diabetes

Information on type 1 Diabetes isn’t hard to come by nowadays with an entire world of information available on the internet with just a few strokes of the keyboard and clicks of the mouse. Not only is information on type 1 diabetes easier to obtain than ever before, but it also could not have come at a better time as the incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are certainly on the rise.

Diabetes affects almost 30 million people in the United States alone. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of the diagnosed cases of diabetes and type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5% of the diagnosed cases.

Over the last 20 years or so, the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults has actually doubled as the population in America ages and unfortunately becomes more and more overweight.

So What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

First of all, diabetes type 1 is not a lifestyle disease. The cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown and so as a result, it’s not considered preventable.

Some researchers believe that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is characterized by the pancreas not producing insulin, producing it in insufficient quantities, or the cells of the body not responding to the insulin that is produced – the pancreas by the body’s own immune system.

Type 1 diabetes usually manifests itself during childhood or early adulthood, and if not properly cared for, can be quite devastating. Since the body either does not produce or does not respond to insulin, the glucose that is taken in as food can rapidly build in the bloodstream to dangerous levels.

Even though glucose is required by every cell in the body as fuel at higher levels it begins to damage organs and tissues and can cause a variety of negative health effects including coma and even death.

Because of this, the key to the proper management of diabetes is glucose control. Glucose levels are controlled either by dietary means or through the use of medications, or both.

It is therefore a real blessing that organizations like the American Diabetic Association exist, where a person can get actual and factual information on type 1 diabetes and also on type 2 diabetes.

If you think you or someone you know may have signs or symptoms of type 1 diabetes the best place to start is at your personal physician.

How are you diagnosed with diabetes type 1?

The main screening test for type 1 diabetes is a random blood sugar test. This test measures glucose levels at any point during the day and can indicate the result quite quickly – especially important for those who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and need urgent supplementary insulin.

2. The AC1 test gives a reading of the patient’s average blood glucose levels over a period of 2 or 3 months.

3. Fasting Blood sugar test. This is when a sample of blood is taken and tested after your child has been fasting overnight.

4. You may have your blood tested for autoantibodies which are substances that indicate your body may be attacking itself. Another indication of diabetes type 1 is the production of ketones which are produced when your body burns fat for energy. Your doctor may recommend this test also if he suspects diabetes type 1.

Your personal physician can do these tests for the disease quickly and easily.

How long can you live with diabetes type 1?

Research has shown that people with type 1 diabetes have a life expectancy of around 11 years less than average, most people who have type 1 diabetes will eventually die from the complications of the disease such as heart disease.

If you can look after your body, follow a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent heart disease, and keep control of your blood sugar levels, these figures above may certainly change.

Is diabetes type 1 a genetic disease? (Can it be inherited)

Yes, there are strong genetic links with diabetes type 1. The risk is certainly higher with one’s first-degree relatives ie parents, child, or sibling.

What is the best food for type 1 diabetes?

If you have diabetes type 1, you should eat a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, lentils, beans, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole wheat. You should also include protein-packed foods such as legumes, eggs, dairy, tofu, seafood, lean meat, and chicken in your healthy meal plan.

Tips for when you eat out, with diabetes type 1

Always ask for sauces to be served on the side – so then you have a choice as to whether you add it, how much to add, or leave it off altogether.

Opt for broiled, baked grilled, or roasted dishes and avoid fried dishes altogether.
Go for the ‘broth-based soups’ as opposed to rich creamy soups.
Try and avoid too much cheese – If you can go without it, even better.
Go for fruit sorbets or fresh fruits for dessert.
Have vegetable or tomato toppings on your pasta.

Read more about Juvenile Diabetes Here!

Show Me A Simple Diabetic Meal Plan

When you are designing a diabetic meal plan, you need to carefully calculate your calorie intake; specifically, the calories that come from carbohydrates.

Some diabetics just avoid carbohydrates altogether and consume only meat and green vegetables.

Avoiding all carbs may be a great solution for those with extreme willpower, but most of us are still human after all and do want to still enjoy a wide selection of foods (in moderation!), so let’s take a look at some other simple diabetic meal plan options…

A good diabetic meal plan needs to contain carbohydrates!

Here’s the good news – if you totally avoid carbohydrates, it can actually cause damage to your body in the long run, so you don’t have to worry about cutting out all the tasty bread, etc…there’s still a place for it in a healthy and balanced diet for diabetics.

Diabetic Menu Plans, diet for diabetes — diabetic menu plans

The second bit of good news is that there are some good carbohydrates that are full of antioxidants and have a low glycemic index, thus helping to body control and manage its blood sugar level.

Ok – enough of the science – let’s get down to the actual details of how you can go about creating a great meal plan for yourself to manage your diabetes. It should also be noted that most diabetic eating plans are extremely healthy for diabetics and non-diabetics alike, so if you are cooking for more than just yourself, you don’t have to worry about the other person.

You’ll actually be doing them a favor by providing more healthy meals.

Sample of a whole day diabetic meal plan.

Breakfast Ideas

Get yourself 2 (two) four-and-a-half-inch waffles.
Include three-quarters of a cup filled with blueberries.
Get a good cup of yogurt to aid your digestion.
Finally, have a cup of tea or coffee to help ease into the day and speed up food digestion.

Lunch Ideas
For those who want a simple lunch, you may want to try one of the following:

Turkey sandwich with whole wheat bread, one piece of fruit, and some carrots or cucumber sticks with light dip.
Chicken breast or tuna with a green salad, topped with light salad dressing and some low-fat yogurt.
Turkey wraps with whole wheat wrap, low-fat salad dressing for flavor, and spinach, tomato, and other vegetables of your choice. 1 piece of fruit for your sweet tooth.

Dinner Ideas
If you’re used to enjoying a hamburger from time to time, you may want to switch up the beef for turkey or chicken, and the white bun for whole wheat and you’ll be well on your way to having a diabetic dinner meal.

Just because you are making some changes to your diabetic meal plan, doesn’t mean that your meals have to be bland at all. In fact, you may even find the meals more flavorful once you start to look at alternative ingredients and complementary dishes that can enhance the flavor of each other.

Similar to the lunch and breakfast plans, you’ll want to stick to lean meat and veggies, and try to limit the number of carbs that you are getting. There are so many resources and ideas online that you should easily be able to find a few staple meals that you can add to your regular rotation.

For me personally, here is my current favorite diet for diabetes:

Ground turkey with Tex Mex
Frozen vegetable mix (usually oriental style mix with beans, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli) seasoned with garlic powder, pepper, a little bit of soy sauce, and Tabasco.
Lentils (added to the vegetables)
Then on top of that, I like to put Pico de Gallo to get a nice balance of hot and cold, spicy and sour in the meal.

So there we have it! – get started on your Diabetic Meal Plan and you’ll feel much better for it!

When you buy through links on our website, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support 🙂